Would printing a caricature of a college football coach on a T-shirt with a comment or slogan related to their public misbehavior without their permission be illegal?
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Would printing a caricature of a college football coach on a T-shirt with a comment or slogan related to their public misbehavior without their permission be illegal?
Asked on September 18, 2015 under Business Law, California
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
The college football coach could sue you for invasion of privacy for the caricature on the T-shirt because invasion of privacy includes the use of one's name or likeness for commercial purposes without consent.
Damages monetary compensation the coach could recover against you for invasion of privacy would include mental distress, harm to business or social interests, physical illness, and possibly punitive damages if a wrongful motive can be established. Punitive damages are a substantial amount.
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