Image Rights represent a fundamental component of personal rights, protecting an individual's physical appearance, photograph, and video likeness from unauthorized use. In the digital age, where social networks and smartphones are integral to daily life, violations of image rights are widespread. This right implies that any person has the exclusive ability to decide where, when, and in what form their image is distributed. This right is particularly significant when used for commercial purposes, such as when companies attempt to use a person's face in advertising. Legal protection extends to both famous public figures (often referred to as "Publicity Rights") and ordinary citizens whose privacy must be protected.
Legal services available through our platform cover the full spectrum of image rights protection. Qualified lawyers will assist you in resolving the following issues:
- Stopping unauthorized commercial use: If your photo or video was used on an ad banner, website, or social media without your written consent.
- Removing images from the internet: Conducting legal procedures with Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms to delete unwanted material.
- Claiming compensation: Recovering material and moral damages for the stress and reputational harm caused by the illegal use of your image.
- Drafting Release Forms: Creating model release agreements for photographers and marketing agencies to prevent future disputes.
- Privacy protection: Responding to the dissemination of material filmed by paparazzi or private individuals in private settings (e.g., at home, at a private party).
In practice, it is common for an employer to continue using a former employee's photo in the "Team" section of the company website after their termination. Another common scenario involves a photo taken on the street, where the person is clearly identifiable, becoming the advertising face of a commercial brand. Another problematic issue is the use of minors' photos in school or kindergarten promotional materials without parental consent. All these cases constitute grounds for a legal dispute, where the victim can demand both the cessation of the infringement and substantial monetary compensation.
In Georgia, image rights are protected by the Civil Code of Georgia (Article 18), which explicitly states that a person has a right to their name, picture, and image. According to the Code, publishing a person's photograph (image) is permissible only with their consent. Exceptions include cases where the person is publicly known, the photo was taken at a public event, or the filming serves the interests of justice. Additionally, the Law of Georgia on Personal Data Protection considers an image (biometric data) as personal data, the processing of which is subject to strict regulations.
The legal process begins with analyzing the facts: where and for what purpose the image was used. The lawyer determines whether consent existed and whether the use was commercial in nature. The first step is sending an official claim to the infringer demanding the removal of the material and compensation. If negotiations fail, the case moves to court. Specialists listed on Legal.ge will help you effectively defend your right to your own image and receive due compensation.
Your face is your property. Do not allow others to profit from your image without permission. Find an experienced lawyer on Legal.ge and protect your personal rights.
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