If I have a graphic designer draw up a T-shirt with the face of a professional player or coach, can I print it on the shirt to sell?
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If I have a graphic designer draw up a T-shirt with the face of a professional player or coach, can I print it on the shirt to sell?
Asked on August 21, 2015 under Business Law, Wisconsin
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
No, you cannot do this you are not allowed to use another person's image for your own economic gain without the person's permission, since the law lets each person control the economic exploitation of his/her own image or likeness. If do this and the person or their legal representatives become aware of it, you could be sued for what could be a great deal of money--at least equal to the profits you made, but possibly for more than you have received--and also for a court order requiring you to destroy all our inventory and not do this again.
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