Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California
Image use
My company trains people to be tv reporters. One of my students got a job as a reporter and has subsequently moved on to work for a national network. We posted her picture and success on our website. She signed an agreement allowing us to use her image. Now she wants us to take the image off our website. I don't want it off because it shows our graduates can be very successful. But more importantly, she gave her permission and she's now a public figure. Do I have to take the picture off?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Image use
Too much depends on the exact wording of the agreement you've got. Does it truly gives you unrestricted rights to use her likeness?
If there are restrictions or limitations, you need to tread carefully. If not, it's still wise to tread carefully.
There may be a negotiation to be had here. Perhaps she's really just unhappy with the particular image you're using. Perhaps she'd like to have a say in the wording of the 'endorsement', etc.
Also, be sure you actually own the rights to the copyright in the particular photo...