Yeah it does make for some interesting chat but unfortunately only raised more questions so far

So you can only apply to reproduce plastics or playfields or whatever if you have the rights to do so or permission from the rights holder?

But if we don't know who has the rights to what, then who do we ask?
Gene, Wayne, or Williams?

Hence the big gray area..

If you have a product that neither License holder is currently producing, you can submit that product to BOTH license holders. If one agrees, then that license holder has to go to WMS Industries for approval - especially if a third party license is involved - example Paramount pictures, or Cassandra Peterson for Elvira etc.. WMS may ask for samples, as it is still a Williams product, made under license.

Good luck with pre 1989 Games as WMS won't allow either license holder to approve any NEW products that they have not been licensed to product already.