unclesheosnephew wrote: »

I actually researched a few of them. the composers no, the name Vlad Tepes Dracul no...

And you -really- think that would stop -some- people? Its not just the copyright owners who might sue, its also others associated witrh a name... especially historic names. From the mayor of a histpric personages birthplace to their fan club, who knows what people might "take offense" to see the name of their beloved hero/idol/whatever used in a game.

Even if it might not hold up in court, some people might try it anyway in an "I have a case the judge wouldn't just throw out, wanna take it through the courts or shall we reach a... 'settlement'..." in hopes ZOS may think its cheaper to pay some settlement instead of all the lawyer fees. Especially in some countried where poor people can foist off their own lawyer fees to the state (yeah, that's actually a thing in some places).

ZOS just wants to make sure they don't give any (legal) opening there, no matter how small the chances. Thus they go with tha classic "better safe then sorry" approach. Duh.

And as has been said, no report, no foul.
But IF someone gets offended, then ZOS takes a look to see if it might be justified offense... and then you need the classic "No similarities with persons living or dead" disclaimer (which really isn't at all possible if you are in fact using their name.)

MehrunesFlagon wrote: »

Nothing wrong at all with Antonio Vivaldi.In fact The nems Vivaldi and Bach are used in the Witcher series.Although only the surnames.

And that's a good way. A surname alone is not exactly an issue, considering just how many people share one, right? As long as its not paired with the historically famour firstname, or with something degoratory...