Understanding The Right of Publicity in a Technology-Driven World

Today our society is technologically dependent, and technology obsessed. Likes and views have transformed into the new currency and consumer data into one of the most in demand commodities, causing the right of publicity to take on new dimensions and challenges. As the use of the internet and social media, specifically, have expanded, an individual’s name and likeness can be disseminated and commercialized in moments. This development has created concerns regarding privacy and unauthorized exploitation that can hamper an individual’s ability to profit from their own public image. Between data breaches, deep-fakes, and social media influencing, among other issues, the balance between protecting individuals’ rights and fostering innovation and freedom of expression is still being defined.  

• Attendees will find this discussion full of useful insights for understanding the right of publicity in the face of a rapidly changing technological landscape, specifically, with regard to artificial intelligence’s ability to manipulate the likeness of individuals. 

In this seminar, our intellectual property and technology experts begin by giving an overview of the right of publicity with a focus on the statutory right of publicity in California and New York. The panel of speakers then differentiates between the right of publicity and other intellectual property rights, and examines how technology informs the right of publicity and the takeaway of recent notable cases. Our panelists conclude the seminar by offering insights on the best practices for protecting an individual’s right of publicity as technology dependence and use evolves. 

Topics covered in this webinar:    

1. Overview of the Right of Publicity  

2. The Difference Between Right of Publicity and Intellectual Property Rights  

3. The Right of Publicity in the Technological World  

4. Strategies to Protect Clients 

Featured Speakers: