Using a Photo on my site

[fiu88]

I have a photograph of me and a "household name" celebrity ... The celebrity is a spokesman for the product we sell...

Thoughts on legality of using the photo?

> I'm thinking of just asking the "household name" for ""permission" as a professional courtesy....

[Woz]

Obtaining permission from those in the photo prior to using it online is always a good idea, particularly with those who are perhaps more recognizable than the general public. Better to be safe than in court.

Onya
Woz

[stapel]

If you've ever watched a show like "Cops", you've probably noticed that sometimes some of the people standing around will have their faces fuzzed out. You can clearly see their bodies, but they are unidentifiable because their faces have been obscured. That's because they did not grant the producers a release to use their images in the show. And they're not even big-deal "household names" who use their faces to make money or who could afford to sue; they're just some dudes watching an arrest.

I think you should get permission first, and retain a copy of that permission, should it be forthcoming. But I'm not a lawyer, so take my opinion for what it's worth.

Eliz.

[monkeythumpa]

If the person is truely a "household name" you can use their photo. Even if it is Tony Danza or other B-list star you can use it because they are public figures. That is why Paris Hilton didn't have to sign a release before having her sex tape distributed over the internet.

Oops I just read your message again, I forgot about the commercial part of it. If you are going to make money off of it, you may run into trouble. If the person is a spokesperson there might be a contract that states royalties.