Subjects:

Intellectual Property Law

Contents:

Introduction. Reasons why celebrities sue. Historical evolution of publicity rights. The US position. A global analysis. The UK approach (Passing off, Malicious falsehood, The Human Rights Act 1998, Trade mark law, Designs, Copyright, Performers' rights, Moral rights, Codes of practice, Interplay). Arguments in favour of and against UK recognition of publicity rights. Licensing issues. Reflecting upon the future. Conclusion.

The UK has lagged behind other countries in establishing a legal framework for the protection of publicity rights, which has caused difficulty for media litigation lawyers at a loss as to how to protect the rights of their clients. * Provides in-depth analysis of publicity rights in the UK and elsewhere, not currently available * Compares the US and global position with that in the UK * Draws upon the experiences of well-known celebrities (for example, the Douglas/Zeta Jones wedding and Hello magazine dispute) * Offers in-depth examination of issues in a fast-growing area.