A person’s right of publicity is the right to protect his or her name or likeness from being commercially exploited without consent and, potentially, compensation. In one sense the right is treated like a property right (the right to profit from the use of one’s own image or identity). In another sense it’s treated like a privacy right (protection from unjustified intrusion and exploitation).
To avoid violating someone’s right of publicity you must be careful about using their:
image (photos, videos, film);
likeness (drawings, paintings, prints, etc.);
name (this includes nicknames and former names);
voice; or signature.
Make sure you have permission before using a person’s image or likeness, or their voice or signature, in connection with
advertising for products or services;
product packaging; or
on any merchandise that you sell.