Post History

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/43199
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

When it comes down to names, this is a tricky subject. I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice, but while you probably _could_ get away with using his name, you probably _shouldn't_ (without written permission). If people find out who you are (assuming you use a _nom de plume_) and that you know a Bob Snow in real life, then if your work becomes popular, you can expect him to get harassed by YOUR fans which, flattering or not, would be extremely annoying especially when people see he is nothing like your fictional character and get annoyed at him for not meeting their expectations.

Without his express written permission, this may open you up for various lawsuits including the unlawful usage of his likeness. By getting his permission in writing, however, you should be absolved of most risks so long as you don't do anything that could actively cause negative effects on the real Bob Snow and his reputation.

* * *

That said, I'd personally recommend changing the name. It doesn't need to be a large change either.

"Bob" could become "Rob", "Robert", "Robin", "Bobert", "Bobo", "Bubbles", and so many other things while still keeping the core sound.

"Snow" could become "White", "Frost", "Flake", "Glace" (as in "glacier"), and so forth.

While I get "Bob Snow" was a stand-in substitute, instead of trying to change the name DRASTICALLY, just change it to something that is still similar, just different.

Original score: 1