Event

Rights of Privacy & Publicity Affecting Artists

Authors, painters, multi-media artists and others often write about others or incorporate the names and likenesses of people into their works. But when does writing about someone or using their name or likeness cross the line? All states recognize privacy rights in various forms, which protect against things such as defamation. Additionally, many states, including Washington, have right of publicity laws protecting certain individuals from the unauthorized exploitation of their identity. During this Brown Bag event, Seattle attorney Mel Simburg will discuss the ins and outs of Washington's laws regarding privacy and publicity, including who is protected, what exactly the law prevents, how protection under these laws differs from that provided under copyright and trademark laws, and how privacy and publicity rights concerns are balanced against the First Amendment right of free speech.