publicity rights
Definition
Publicity rights give a person legal control over how their name, face, voice, or other recognizable features get used for commercial purposes. Basically, a business cannot use someone's identity to sell products or services without getting that person's permission first. These rights exist to protect people from having their personal brand or likeness exploited for someone else's profit.
Example
If you wanted to use a local celebrity's photo in your restaurant's marketing campaign, you would need to get their written permission and likely pay them for that use. Using their image without consent could expose your business to a lawsuit even if you meant no harm.
Watch Out
Many business owners assume that paying someone for a service automatically gives them the right to use that person's image in advertising, but you almost always need a separate written agreement specifically granting those publicity rights.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.