It used to be that when a famous personality died that was pretty much that. Whilst they may have left a body of work which was perhaps repackaged or reinterpreted over time, that was the extent of a dead star’s posthumous exposure. Not any more. Jason Romer explains more.

One of the main features of the new Guernsey Image Rights legislation, which came into force on 3rd December this year, is the fact that personalities both living and deceased, can be entered onto the register. This in itself is something unique and a feature which allows for considerable scope when considering the assets of those whose income is derived from their image.

What is the difference between kissing your bicep when scoring a touchdown and creating the shape of an 'M' above your head having won a race?

In this article, Image Rights expert David Evans discusses how Guernsey Image Rights can protect valueable celebrity names and their surrounding imagery.  

Collas Crill IP image rights specialist David Evans, will be speaking alongside a panel of experts at a Guernsey Finance Image Rights event in the new year.

This seminar will discuss Guernsey's ground-breaking new image rights legislation, its importance in modern society and how it can be used by celebrities and corporations to develop and capitalise valuable images and brands. 

When: Wednesday 23 January 2013, 4pm

Where: Corinthia Hotel, London

Please click here for more information and to register your place.

If, in the meantime you require any infomation about Image Rights please visit our website or contact David Evans.

The eagerly awaited image rights legislation in Guernsey is due to come into force on 3 December 2012. This will interest anyone currently in the public eye anywhere in the world, or who is not yet well known but anticipates having a high public profile in the future. Jason Romer explains why.

Over the last 20 years or so, the cult of the celebrity has risen inextricably and with it the ability for celebrities and personalities to generate wealth through their images. The traditional role of the celebrity was one that was controlled by the corporations to which they were contracted - whether these be movie studios, record companies, sports clubs etc. There has been a huge shift in how the individual has been able to take control of their affairs and how their image rights and other intellectual property generally have become ever more valuable. As a response to this, Guernsey is launching the world’s first registrable image right in December this year.

Guernsey's new image rights legislation offers flexibility and unique protection for famous names, says Jason Romer in this article first published by the STEP Journal in November 2012.

The long-awaited Image Rights legislation in Guernsey has now been published and, subject to the Guernsey legislature passing it into law next month, will be in force as of 3 December 2012.

Guernsey is the first jurisdiction to create a registrable image, enabling effective management and control of the commercial use of a person's identity, and images associated with that person, including distinctive expressions, characteristics or attributes.

Collas Crill's intellectual property specialists are among the architects of this robust and innovative new law, which draws on both trademark and copyright principles.

This legislation allows celebrities, sports professionals, teams and other media personalities - both living and dead - to structure their image rights in Guernsey, safe in the knowledge that there is a clear legislative framework.

Here, our experts summarise what the legislation means in both legal and practical terms.

The States of Guernsey complete legislation document will be available on www.collascrillip.com/services/image-rights later today.

To discuss your image rights requirements or register your application please contact jason.romer@collascrillip.com or david.evans@collascrillip.com .

50 years after her death, the income of Marilyn Monroe's estate is under threat now that a New York court has decided that her image belongs to everyone (see case report below).

The estate - the third biggest money maker for dead celebrities behind Elvis and Michael Jackson - has been stripped of its ability to charge for the use of Marilyn's image.

The ruling of the Court of Appeal in New York is based on an unusual set of circumstances, but illustrates the problems facing celebrities and their estates in protecting and commercialising their image effectively, something also experienced by the Humphrey Bogart estate. Read how Burberry has fallen foul of Bogart's estate (free registration needed).

Guernsey's forthcoming Image Rights legislation deals with all the aspects of such protection for both living and dead personalities and will give celebrities the unique ability to effectively protect and manage their personality and related image rights for the first time.

Collas Crill is at the forefront of Image Rights services in Guernsey. Contact us to find out more about the new law, which comes into effect in December and creates a world first in a registrable image right.

Guernsey's draft Image Rights legislation was released on Wednesday for consultation. This legislation will see Guernsey bring in a registrable image right - a world first. Commerce & Employment are holding a seminar on 2...

We are half way through the month-long consultation period for Guernsey's draft Image Rights legislation. The consultation lasts until 7th March 2012 - if you haven't yet seen a copy of the draft law, please contact ipo@guernseyregistr...

A picture is worth a thousand words – but for celebrities, it could be worth thousands of pounds. Collas Crill’s managing partner Jason Romer says Guernsey’s new image rights law could be the best way for those in the public eye to protect their assets. This article first appeared in Legal Week, 3 February 2012.

The long-awaited Image Rights legislation in Guernsey has now been made available for consultation. The consultation period runs until 7 March 2012. This briefing note sets out the key points of the Image Rights (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Ordinance, 2012.

We are delighted to report that the Commerce and Employment department of the States of Guernsey has now sent the draft Image Rights legislation out for consultation. The consultation period will last until 7th March 2012. We then expect t...