ARTICLE · 31 JANUARY 2018

Avoiding Legal Problems When Using A Celebrity's Image On Your Products

Taylor Vinters

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It may be tempting to use a celebrity's photograph or signature to endorse your own business, but doing so without considering the celebrity's "image rights" first may lead to legal problems.

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Kelsey Farish

It may be tempting to use a celebrity's photograph or signature to endorse your own business, but doing so without considering the celebrity's "image rights" first may lead to legal problems.

Famous film stars and athletes earn significant sums beyond their day job at the studio or stadium. Their image can be used in a variety of commercial contexts, ranging from endorsements and sponsorships, to merchandising and deals with fashion brands and magazines.

Marketwatch reports that on average, signing a celebrity correlates to a rise in share prices, and a 4% increase in sales. After Chanel signed Nicole Kidman in 2003 to promote its N°5 perfume, global sales of the fragrance increased by 30%.

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