Re: autographs

On Fri, 14 Jan 2000, Sylvie Fodor <s.fodor[_at_]akg.de> wrote:
>
> I would be interested to know how, according to your opinion, Autographs
> -- meaning the photo of the signature of a person, dead or alive, famous
> or not -- are to be treated?
>
> Can they be protected by copyright? Do they have to be registered as
> trademark?

At the risk of misunderstanding your question, you should be aware that signatures are protected under the laws of several states in the U.S. that protect rights of publicity. For example, the statute in the State of Indiana prohibits the use of a signature of a personality for a commercial purpose during the personality's lifetime and for one hundred years after the personality's death, unless proper written consent is obtained. Let me know if you would like for me to send you a copy of the statute (Ind. Code 32-13-1-1 et seq).

Bruce W. Longbottom
Leagre Chandler & Millard LLP
1400 First Indiana Plaza
135 North Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Email: blongbottom[_at_]lcmlaw.com
Phone: (317)808-3151
Fax: (317)808-3251 Received on Thu Jan 20 2000 - 23:28:30 GMT