Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Georgia
Using a person's name
I work for a county and we are opening a community center w/ classrooms for arts and dance. We would like to name these classrooms after famous Georgians, famous artists, or other people of reknown. Our intent is to show respectful tribute to these people. We have lists of both living and deceased persons. I would like to know if there are any legal issues in ''naming'' a classroom after a living or a deceased person and, if so, how I can overcome these issues.
Thanks
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Using a person's name
The best way to do it would be to contact the person or his heirs (since GA recognizes a post mortem right to be publicity) and get permission. If the person has been dead for a long time (I don't know how long the time period is in GA off the top of my head), post mortem rights of publicity won't be an issue.