Model Publicity Rights Can Be Assigned to 3rd Parties, Court Says

SANTA ANA, Calif. — In a ruling of significant interest to adult entertainers, a state appellate court has ruled that California's "right of publicity" for models can be licensed and assigned to third parties, and enforced by the third parties.

The decision by the California Court of Appeal establishes the first published precedent in the state that explicitly holds that the right of publicity is assignable and that such rights are independent of federal copyright interests. 

The right of publicity is, in California, “a right to prevent others from misappropriating the economic value generated ... through the merchandising of the ‘name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness’ of the [holder].” Nearly half of all states have right-of-publicity statutes.

The ruling is a boon for Timed Out LLC, a San Diego firm that helps models obtain appropriate compensation for images misused or even poached.

Adult industry attorney Allan Gelbard of Tarzana, Calif., told XBIZ that in most instances adult entertainment companies won't be impacted by the ruling because in the traditional porn biz most model releases include license for all rights.

"But it could be interesting where a model is photographed for a movie, the release doesn't include the appropriate rights, then the photographer sells the images to a dating site that uses them," Gelbard said. The "model would arguably have a claim against the dating site."

The court reinstated a suit by Timed Out, which claimed that two models had assigned their rights to Timed Out after discovering that their likenesses were used by Dr. Kambiz Youabian on a website advertising cosmetic medical services.

The suit was dismissed on grounds that that the right of publicity was “personal” and could not be assigned. But the appeal court said that  both the financial interest protected by the right of privacy, and a cause of action for misappropriation of one’s likeness, are assignable.

With the federal preemption issue over copyrights, the appeal court noted the defendant was not being sued for publishing the photographs but for misappropriating the likenesses pictured.

With the decision in Timed Out LLC vs. Youabian Inc., models no longer have to make the decision whether it is worth their time, expense and effort to pursue claims when their publicity rights are violated — they can assign the affected publicity rights to agencies such as Timed Out to pursue the claims.

The appellate panel, 3-0, reversed the lower court's judgment, ruling in favor for the models.

View model publicity rights ruling

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Skinfluential Management's FansFuel Acquires Fanwire

FansFuel has acquired creator account management tool Fanwire.

Pineapple Support Appoints Kasey Kei as Brand Ambassador

Pineapple Support has appointed veteran performer and content creator Kasey Kei as its latest brand ambassador.

Nebraska AV Bill Moves Forward Despite Privacy, Free Speech Concerns

Nebraska’s unicameral Legislature has given first-round approval to LB 1092, the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

Eva Maxim, Katrina Colt Headline 'Cumming to LA' From Cherry Kiss

Eva Maxim and Katrina Colt star with Vince Karter in 2021 XBIZ Europas Female Performer of the Year Cherry Kiss' "Cumming to L.A.," from Evil Angel.

AEBN Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The Adult Entertainment Broadcast Network (AEBN) is celebrating its 25th year in business this week.

Performers in Meta Blacklisting Lawsuit Seek to Preserve Antitrust Claims

Adult Performance Artists Guild board officers Alana Evans, Kelly Pierce and Ruby have informed a California court that, although they want to drop their lawsuit claiming that Meta conspired with OnlyFans to blacklist rival premium fan platforms’ talent, they may still pursue antitrust claims in the future.

Skylar Snow Headlines 'Infidelity 4' From Sweet Sinner

Skylar Snow toplines "Infidelity 4," the latest release from Mile High Media studio brand Sweet Sinner.

Serenity Cox Stars in 'Enjoy It' From MILFY

Serenity Cox stars with Alberto Blanco in "Enjoy It," from Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY.

Melissa Stratton Stars in Finale of Wicked's 'So Extra'

Melissa Stratton and Robby Apples star in the final scene from Wicked Pictures' "So Extra."

BiPhoria Drops Jim Powers' 'Saying GoodBi'

BiPhoria has released director Jim Powers' "Saying GoodBi."

Show More