Can I use an online image of say a celebrity and swap out the face?

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Can I use an online image of say a celebrity and swap out the face?

I have a series of shirts i want to sell for charity
where I take a photo of say a celebrity and
swap out their face for the buyers face. Is that
legal?

Asked on August 23, 2017 under Business Law, Wisconsin

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 7 years ago | Contributor

No, because the celebrity (or for that matter, any person) controls all use of any part of their image or likeness for commercial purposes. If you are using the celebrity's body, for example, you are still violating their control over their own image--and could still be sued by them for doing so.


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