Right of Publicity Enforcement

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Intellectual Property and TechnologyRight of Publicity

We protect personality rights through cease and desist campaigns, platform takedowns, and litigation against unauthorized commercial use.

Protecting Identity Rights Against Unauthorized Use

Unauthorized commercial use of name, image, and likeness requires enforcement action. Our Right of Publicity Enforcement practice protects individuals against misappropriation of their identity for commercial purposes.

Detection and Monitoring

Enforcement begins with identifying violations. We implement monitoring programs detecting unauthorized commercial use across advertising, products, online platforms, and emerging media. Early detection enables effective response.

Cease and Desist

Many violations resolve through demand letters. We send cease and desist communications documenting rights, identifying unauthorized use, and demanding immediate cessation. Professional, well-supported demands often achieve compliance without litigation.

Platform Enforcement

Online platforms provide reporting mechanisms for identity misuse. We pursue takedowns through platform procedures, removing unauthorized content efficiently. We address social media, e-commerce marketplaces, and advertising platforms.

Litigation

When informal methods fail, litigation provides powerful remedies. We pursue right of publicity claims in state and federal courts, seeking injunctions stopping unauthorized use and damages for misappropriation. We have experience with the varying state laws governing publicity rights.

Criminal Referrals

Serious violations may warrant criminal attention. We coordinate with law enforcement on identity theft, counterfeiting, and fraud involving celebrity identities.

International Enforcement

Unauthorized use crosses borders. We coordinate international enforcement through foreign counsel, addressing violations wherever they occur.

Frequently asked questions

Use of name, image, voice, or likeness for commercial purposes without permission—advertising, merchandise, endorsements, and similar uses.

Depending on state law, damages may include fair market value of use, defendant's profits, and potentially statutory or punitive damages.

Options include cease and desist demands, platform takedowns, and court injunctions. The appropriate approach depends on circumstances.

First Amendment protections may apply to transformative uses, commentary, and parody. We analyze whether defenses are likely to succeed.

Yes, through foreign counsel. Many countries have personality rights protections, though scope varies significantly.

Emerging technology creates new enforcement challenges. We pursue claims under existing law and advocate for new protections.

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