Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California

Re: Buffalo Bill

There is nothing to stop you from depicting Buffalo Bill, as many before you have. In his day, there was no right of publicity, and any copyright or trademark would have long since run out.

Be aware, however, that Buffalo Bill is a popular name and there are many trademarks using it (a football team, restaurants, etc.) For instance, the Buffalo Bills football team owns the trademark for entertainment services, which is the international category in which yours would fall. You can certainly use the character and the character's name, but be careful of using it as a business name unless you have an attorney check it out and advise you.

Re: Buffalo Bill

Nothing! Buffalo Bill is in the public domain and useable by anyone. Nor could you stop anyone from using it!