Can You Use a Celebrity’s Image in Marketing? Learn the Laws

Imagine launching a social media campaign or product line inspired by a celebrity you admire. It’s trendy, exciting, and has the potential to captivate your audience. But there’s a catch: using a celebrity’s name, image, or likeness without permission can lead to serious legal trouble. This blog will guide you through the essentials of copyright and personality rights to ensure your marketing remains both creative and compliant.

What Are Personality Rights?

Personality rights refer to an individual’s ability to control how their name, image, voice, or other identifying characteristics are used commercially. These rights allow celebrities to prevent unauthorized use of their likeness in marketing, advertising, or product endorsements. Australia does not have specific legislation governing personality rights like the US or UK. However, such rights are protected under:

Passing Off: Businesses cannot falsely suggest a celebrity endorses their product or service, as this may deceive consumers.

Australian Consumer Law (ACL): Misleading or deceptive conduct related to the use of a celebrity’s image can lead to legal action under consumer protection laws.

Trade Marks: Many celebrities register their names, catchphrases, or other distinctive features as trade marks. Using these without permission may result in trade mark infringement claims.

Why Do Personality Rights Matter?

For small businesses, understanding personality rights is critical. Using a celebrity’s likeness without permission can:

Tarnish your brand’s reputation.

Result in costly legal disputes.

Deter partnerships with other influencers or brands.

Understanding Copyright vs. Personality Rights

Copyright protects original works such as photos, videos, and music. For example, if you use a copyrighted photo of a celebrity in your marketing without a license, you’re violating copyright law.

Personality Rights focus on protecting an individual’s identity. Using someone’s name, image, or voice for commercial purposes without their consent breaches these rights, even when copyright is not involved.

Trade Marks add another layer of protection for distinctive elements associated with a celebrity. For instance, a celebrity’s catchphrase or nickname may be trade marked, and unauthorised use can lead to legal consequences.

What’s Allowed and What’s Not

What you can’t do:

Use a celebrity’s name or image on your products or marketing materials without a licensing agreement.
Imply endorsement by a celebrity without their explicit consent.

What you can do:

Use royalty-free or licensed stock images.
Create parody content, provided it is transformative and does not mislead consumers.
Collaborate with influencers or lesser-known celebrities who align with your brand.

Case study

Rihanna vs. Topshop

Topshop sold T-shirts featuring Rihanna’s image without her approval, leading to a lawsuit. Rihanna won the case by proving that the use of her image misled customers into thinking she endorsed the product. The ruling highlighted the importance of obtaining consent for merchandise use.

Bette Midler vs. Ford Motor Company

Bette Midler successfully sued Ford when they used a sound-alike singer to imitate her voice in a commercial. This case set a precedent that imitating a celebrity’s voice without permission violates their personality rights.

Tips for Protecting Your Business

Secure Permissions: Always get written consent from the celebrity or their management team before using their likeness.

Check Licensing Options: Use platforms offering royalty-free or licensed images to avoid potential infringements.

Stay Original: Draw inspiration without replicating specific elements that are strongly associated with a celebrity.

Ready to Stay Legally Compliant?

If you’re navigating personality rights, our Licence Agreement Template is here to help. It’s designed to protect your business while giving you the freedom to innovate. Download it now.

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***Disclaimer. Please read!!***

This article is for general information purposes only and should be used solely as general guidance. It does not and is not intended to represent legal advice or other professional advice.