Professional Activities
January 17, 2020
Fitch Even partner Sherri N. Blount was quoted in the December 9 issue of Women’s Wear Daily in an article discussing how brands are facing increased scrutiny over permission rights of celebrity images found online.
In the article, “Online Celeb Photos and Legal Risks for Brands,” Sherri advises, “If you’re a brand using someone’s name, their photo, their likeness, or even the sound of their voice, you should first contact the person or the person’s agent and get permission and a license to use it for the purposes you want to use it—and preferably written permission.” She goes on to say, “If the brand is trying to use it for a commercial purpose, they may need to get the permission of both: the celebrity and the photographer.” The article can be read in its entirety on the WWD website (sub. req.).
Sherri advises clients on a broad range of promotions, marketing, and advertising issues, as well as entertainment and media matters. She has extensive experience in trademark and brand protection, complex licensing agreements, trade secrets, unfair competition, copyright and infringement issues, work-for hire arrangements, and digital rights management.