Appropriation of Likeness

Pronunciation: uh-proh-pree-AY-shun of LIKE-ness

Torts › Privacy Torts

Definition

Invasion of privacy by unauthorized commercial use of plaintiff's name, likeness, or identity for defendant's benefit. Protects commercial value of identity. Common law tort in most states. Requires: (1) use of plaintiff's identity, (2) for commercial benefit, (3) without consent. Also protected by right of publicity statutes in many states.

Related terms

• Intrusion Upon Seclusion — Invasion of privacy by intentionally intruding on plaintiff's solitude or private affairs in manner highly offensive to reasonable…
• Public Disclosure of Private Facts — Invasion of privacy by publicly disclosing true private facts that are highly offensive and not of legitimate public…
• False Light — Invasion of privacy by publicly portraying person in false light that would be highly offensive to reasonable person.…

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