Alienability
The Book
THE RIGHT OF PUBLICITY: Privacy Reimagined for a Public World
This book from Harvard University Press by Professor Jennifer Rothman traces the history and development of the right of publicity and its current collision course with individual liberty, free speech and copyright law.
Now Available
Letters and Statements of Opposition Filed Against Proposed New York Right of Publicity Bills
I sent a letter to members of the New York legislature and their staff today opposing the proposed right of publicity...
DJ Khaled Sues Over Use of His Son's Name
Last week Khaled M. Khaled, known popularly as DJ Khaled, and the company ATK Entertainment filed a ...
The Topsy-Turvy Market in Dead People
My post today on The Volokh Conspiracy considers "The Market in Dead People," and the "ghoulish futures market in aging celebrities." ...
Reanimating Actors and the Dangers of a Transferable Right of Publicity
In "Only Robin Wright Should Own Robin Wright," I consider the...
New York Once Again Floats Right of Publicity Law
The New York Assembly introduced yet another right of publicity bill last week, Assembly Bill A08155. Such legislation is introduced almost every year in New York―focused on...
Celebrity Chef Sues to Cancel Contract Transferring His Right of Publicity
Celebrity chef Kent Rathbun has sued to invalidate an assignment of his rights to the use of his name and likeness. Rathbun, a former contestant on Iron Chef America and a four-time James...
Arkansas Resurrects Right of Publicity Bill
The Arkansas legislature has reintroduced a right of publicity bill in the state after last year's bill was vetoed by its governor. Governor Asa Hutchinson was concerned about the bill's limits on free speech....
Prince’s Death Sends Minnesota Legislature into Overdrive
Yesterday, the Minnesota legislature introduced a rushed bill to protect a right of publicity in that state and particularly to extend post-mortem rights in that state. The...
Child Star Chachi’s Lawsuit Against her Mother is Dismissed
Olivia “Chachi” Gonzales, 19, is best known for her appearance and victory on MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew” in 2011. Chachi designed her own dance apparel and started selling “Chachimomma” pants similar to ones that she made popular by wearing them on the TV show. While Chachi was a...