The right of publicity protects people from unauthorized commercial exploitation of their identity. It is mostly state law, varies widely, and intersects with trademarks, copyright, and the First Amendment.
New to the world of intellectual property? Start here. This overview breaks down the different types of IP in plain language. Get to know patents (for inventions), trademarks (for brands), copyrights (for creative works), trade secrets, and even publicity rights. It’s a friendly primer on how each category protects a different aspect of creativity and innovation, giving you the big picture of idea protection.
Your name and face are yours—so who gets to profit from them? Enter the “right of publicity.” This article explains this lesser-known intellectual property right that lets individuals (not just celebrities) control commercial use of their identity. Find out how it protects against unauthorized endorsements or merchandise, and why understanding it matters in an age of viral fame and online influencers.
