Legal Question in Intellectual Property in New York

Is it legal in the US to put a picture of you and a celebrity on the back cover of my book?

I want to put a picture of me and Jessica Alba on the back of my book cover that will be published. I am not saying the she is endorsing the book. Is it legal in the US to put a picture of you and a celebrity on the back cover of your book or DVD? Do I need her permission?

I have attached an example of another book published in the United Kingdom. The author is picture with celebrity Paris Hilton.


Asked on 10/01/10, 8:56 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Tolbert Law Offices of Charles Tolbert

Your question raises a lot of questions about the intended use and the purpose behind the use of the photo (such as is the use mainly to increase sales of your book) but the short answer would be that it would not be advisable to use a photo of yourself with a celebrity on the back cover of your book without permission unless there is some compelling and legitimate reason such as public interest.

You should discuss further with your counsel or contact my office as this issue comes up quite often in my business with publishers and authors particularly related to books on Hollywood.

Regards,

Charles

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Answered on 10/06/10, 9:10 am


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