chatsimple Athlete Image Rights: A Legal Perspective

Athlete Image Rights: A Legal Perspective

By: Barry Chase
: 3 Minutes to Read

Our NYC and Miami Entertainment Law Firm advises and represents clients in all legal matters related to music, sports, television/film, visual and literary works, modeling, online matters, and intellectual property.

Athlete Image Rights: A Legal Perspective

Athlete Image Rights

The right of publicity arises from the concept of privacy, referred to in the Fourth Amendment. The right of publicity is considered an economic right. 

As an athlete, your image and likeness can be just as valuable as your physical abilities on the field. In fact, many athletes rely on endorsement deals, sponsorships, and other opportunities to generate income off the field. However, it’s important to understand your rights and the legal considerations surrounding your image as an athlete.

Athlete image rights refer to the legal right an athlete has to control the commercial use of their name, likeness, and other identifying characteristics. These rights are essential for athletes to protect their personal brand and reputation, as well as to monetize their image through sponsorships and other deals.

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Here are some important legal considerations for athlete image rights:

1. Right of Publicity

The right of publicity is a legal concept that gives individuals the right to control the commercial use of their name, image, and likeness. In the sports industry, this is important for athletes who have their image used for endorsements, sponsorships, and other commercial purposes.

Athletes should be aware of their state’s laws regarding the right of publicity because they can vary significantly from state to state. For example, some states have stronger protections for the right of publicity than others, and some states require athletes to register their image rights to have legal protection.

2. Contractual Agreements

Athletes should carefully review any contracts related to their image rights, such as endorsement deals and licensing agreements. These contracts should clearly outline the terms and conditions for the use of an athlete’s image, including any limitations or restrictions.

Athletes should also be aware of any exclusivity clauses in their contracts. Those may limit their ability to enter into other endorsement deals or partnerships. It’s important to negotiate these clauses carefully to ensure they don’t limit your opportunities in the future.

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3. Social Media

Social media has become an important tool for athletes to build their personal brand and connect with fans. However, athletes should be careful about the content they share on social media, particularly if it includes endorsements or sponsored content.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that all sponsored content be clearly disclosed. Athletes can face legal consequences for failing to do so. Athletes should also be careful using other people’s copyrighted material on their social media accounts, such as photographs or videos.

4. Use of Images by Others

Athletes should be aware of the potential for their image to be used without their permission. This can include unauthorized merchandise, fan websites, or even other athletes or celebrities using their images in social media posts.

If an athlete’s image is being used without their permission, they may have legal options to stop the use and seek damages. However, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further unauthorized use.

Athlete image rights are an important consideration for athletes to protect their personal brand and reputation, as well as to monetize their image through endorsements and other deals. Athletes should be aware of their state’s laws regarding the right of publicity, carefully review any contractual agreements related to their image rights, be careful about social media content, and take action if their image is being used without their permission. Consulting with a sports lawyer can also help athletes navigate these legal considerations and protect their image rights.

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Summary

  • The right of publicity gives athletes control over the commercial use of their name, likeness, and image.
  • Athletes should be familiar with their state’s laws on the right of publicity, and some states require registering image rights for legal protection.
  • Careful review of contracts related to image rights is essential, including understanding exclusivity clauses that may limit future opportunities.
  • Athletes must be cautious about social media content, ensuring clear disclosure of sponsored content to comply with FTC regulations.
  • Unauthorized use of an athlete’s image can be addressed legally to stop the use and seek damages.
  • Consulting with a sports lawyer can help athletes navigate and protect their image rights effectively.

Barry Chase

Barry Chase, Esq., Senior Partner at ChaseLawyers®, is a distinguished figure in the realm of sports and entertainment law, offering Harvard-level representation that is both cost-sensitive and exceptional. An honors graduate of Yale College (Phi Beta Kappa) and Harvard Law School, Chase's illustrious career commenced at a prominent Washington, D.C. law firm, now known as Wilmer Hale. Here, he honed his expertise in Communications and First Amendment law, representing media titans such as CBS, the Times-Mirror Company, and Time, Inc. in pivotal Federal Communications Commission (FCC) matters.

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