Tag archives: rights of publicity

New York’s Right of Publicity – Take Two

By Susan Ross (US) on April 19, 2018 Posted in Advertising

We had previously written about a September 1, 2016 ruling from a New York State appeals court relating to New York’s right of publicity and claims brought by celebrities Lindsay Lohan and Karen Gravano against the creator and distributor of the video game “Grand Theft Auto V.” On March 29, 2018, New York’s highest court … Continue reading

NY Court Says No Grand Theft of Stars’ Publicity Rights. What About California?

By Susan Ross (US) and Saul Perloff (US) on September 14, 2016 Posted in Trademark

In July, the Brand Protection Blog reviewed potential “right of publicity” claims that might have been brought by celebrities whose wax “look alikes” appeared in Kanye West’s “Famous” music video. That analysis largely focused on California’s Celebrity Rights Act. A September 1, 2016 ruling from a New York State appeals court may demonstrate important differences … Continue reading

“Sue me already” – Analyzing Kanye’s (In)Famous Video (Part III)

By Saul Perloff (US) on July 12, 2016 Posted in Trademark

Over the past week, the Brand Protection Blog has reviewed the different legal claims unwitting stars of Kanye West’s “Famous” video might assert the rap artist. In Part I, we analyzed claims for Trademark Infringement. In Part II, we took a look at claims for False Endorsement. Today, we consider whether the “Famous” video violates celebrities’ rights … Continue reading

“Sue me already” – Analyzing Kanye’s (In)Famous Video (Part II)

By Lauren Valkenaar (US) and Saul Perloff (US) on July 7, 2016 Posted in Trademark

In our 3-part series, the Brand Protection Blog is reviewing the different legal claims unwitting stars of Kanye West’s “Famous” video might assert. In Part I, we analyzed claims for Trademark Infringement. Today we will cover False Endorsement. False Endorsement Some legal commentators have suggested that the celebrities featured in Mr. West’s video could bring a … Continue reading

“Sue me already” – Analyzing Kanye’s (In)Famous Video

By Saul Perloff (US) on July 5, 2016 Posted in Advertising, Trademark

On June 24, 2016, rap artist Kanye West premiered the music video for his single, “Famous,” at The Forum in Inglewood, California. The NSFW production – featuring a naked Kanye asleep in a King (Kong)-sized bed amidst depictions of a dozen other nude, sleeping celebrities – immediately drew strong reactions. Some praised the video. For … Continue reading