Celebrity endorsements can be very lucrative deals for Florida entertainers and athletes. However, when companies try to promote their product or their organization by using a celebrity’s prestige without authorization, those celebrities may experience negative impacts on their careers. Many cases in entertainment law involve the unlawful use of a celebrity’s image by companies who seek to make gains at the unknowing celebrity’s expense.
For example, actress Jennifer Love Hewitt has filed a lawsuit against a company for unauthorized use of her name and her image. Hewitt alleges that the company used her image in a spam email promoting the use of the company’s vitamin spray and that she was not aware of and did not consent to the use of her picture for the ad. It is rumored that the company has used Hewitt’s photograph in numerous advertisements unbeknownst to the actress. Hewitt is requesting damages for the unauthorized use of her image as well as an order to stop the company from further use of her photos.
Celebrity endorsement deals often require licensing contracts between the entertainer and the company seeking to use the entertainer’s image or persona. Unlicensed use of a celebrity’s likeness to advertise a product may raise legal issues of privacy among other concerns. In addition, absent an endorsement deal, entertainers and athletes may find their image being used for a product or initiative that the celebrity does not support. Being associated with negative ads or ads that are inconsistent with a celebrity’s principles can have a major impact on the celebrity’s career. In addition, the unauthorized use of a likeness represents a lost opportunity to earn money.
For these reasons, protecting people’s rights to their own image is vital for those interested in maximizing their exposure while controlling their public persona as much as possible. If an unauthorized use is discovered, action can be taken to address the violation and protect one’s intellectual property rights.
Source: Courthouse News, “Jennifer Love Hewitt Sues Spammer,” Matt Reynolds, June 5, 2014
The entertainment industry can be a complicated field to navigate. As a trusted leader in Miami entertainment law, ChaseLawyers can help. With over 40 years of experience, Our Miami based lawyers have helped individuals in nearly every area of entertainment law in Miami, including sports, music, film, television, modeling, literature, and more. We understand the unique challenges you face as a creative, and we’re prepared to protect your interests.
As an artist in Miami, you must navigate the intricacies of copyright law, trademarks, contractual agreements, and much more. It is critical you choose a qualified Miami entertainment lawyer with expertise in the nuances of the entertainment world. ChaseLawyers has built a stellar reputation among our clientele for honest, professional representation that produces effective results. We have extensive experience in the unique legal elements you must navigate as an artist, and our attorneys can provide you with indispensable career advice and expertise over the course of your entertainment career.
When you work with ChaseLawyers, you are more than just a client. We care about your well-being and can provide essential advice on the issues you face in the Miami market, such as intellectual property issues, negotiating service agreements, publicity rights, and much more. We also have an extensive network of resources available for our clients to connect with, and those connections can enrich your career in countless ways. Our team understands the complex world of entertainment law and will take care of your legal needs so you can focus on doing what you do best—sharing your talent with the world!
When you’re ready to take the next step in your career, our Miami entertainment lawyers are ready to help you. We are passionate about helping creatives with all of their legal needs, and you won’t find a team more dedicated to your success in all of Miami. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!