Image rights refer to an individual’s proprietary right in their personality – the right to prevent unauthorised use of their name, likeness or other personal marks such as physical style, characteristics or signatures. There is no law expressly prohibiting the use of image rights by other people but other laws, such as the laws of passing off , trade marks and defamation , often achieve the same objective. For example, the laws of copyright and/or passing off would prevent someone from copying a celebrity’s signature and using it to illegitimately endorse a product.
Schillings are the leading lawyers in reputation management and brand protection; specialising in defamation and privacy for private clients and corporate organisations. Schillings have a very active dispute resolution department and we also provide family and matrimonial advice to our private client base of high-net worth individuals and celebrities. In addition, our sports department manages work in reputational, regulatory and sports sponsorship matters for some of the highest profile sports stars, brands and clubs.
If you have any queries please contact Schillings on 020 7034 9000 or email us at legal@schillings.co.uk