Using a (dead) celebrity's face and first name in my logo and brand name

[HelpMePlease85]

Hi,

I'm not sure if this is in the correct section or not. However, I am using a celebritys face and first name in my logo and brand name. The celebrity is dead if that makes any difference. Am I violating any kind of copyright/trademark/patent/fair use laws???

Thank you for the help....

 

[FlyingRon]

What is the name of your state?

We ask for good reason.
We also need to know the state the celebrity lived in.

California passed a law three years ago extending right to publicity for 70 years after death (even for those who died before it's enactment). Pennsylvania provides for 30 years. NJ and NY legislators introduced similar bills shortly thereafter (NY was actually in perpetuity).

I'm not seeing what the redacted website you're trying to show is.

 

[HelpMePlease85]

What is the name of your state?

We ask for good reason.
We also need to know the state the celebrity lived in.

California passed a law three years ago extending right to publicity for 70 years after death (even for those who died before it's enactment). Pennsylvania provides for 30 years. NJ and NY legislators introduced similar bills shortly thereafter (NY was actually in perpetuity).

I'm not seeing what the redacted website you're trying to show is.

My state is Florida

The celebrity's state: California

 

[Proserpina]

My state is Florida

The celebrity's state: California


heres the website again, i would like you to take a look at it to see what im talking about: JerryPoo - An Optimal Blend of Composted Zoo-Manure for Growing Mushrooms

Dude - seriously? You could find yourself in HUGE pile of legal manure if you don't change that logo...

 

[HelpMePlease85]

Dude - seriously? You could find yourself in HUGE pile of legal manure if you don't change that logo...

i appreciate the response... but could someone point me to the actual law that makes this illegal?

 

[FlyingRon]

Google California Civil Code 3344, aka the Fred Astaire act.

That will certainly cover the likeness. The Garcia estate and the Dead almost certainly have other trademark rights as well.
In addition, whoever's photo that is you stole probably also has cause of action.

 

[HelpMePlease85]

Google California Civil Code 3344, aka the Fred Astaire act.

That will certainly cover the likeness. The Garcia estate and the Dead almost certainly have other trademark rights as well.
In addition, whoever's photo that is you stole probably also has cause of action.

Thanks FlyingRon... I've changed my logo. I appreciate your help!