AZ Common Law Causes of Action APPROPRIATION/RIGHT OF PUBLICITY (2011)

• Jurisdiction: Arizona

APPROPRIATION/RIGHT OF PUBLICITY

Elements

“To prevail on a right of publicity claim, a plaintiff must show

(1) the defendant’s use of the plaintiff’s name or likeness,

(2) the appropriation of the plaintiff’s name or likeness to the defendant’s advantage,

(3) lack of consent, and

(4) resulting injury.”

Lemon v. Harlem Globetrotters Int’l, Inc., 437 F. Supp. 2d 1089, 1100 (D. Ariz. 2006). See also Pooley v. Nat’l Hole-In-One Ass’n, 89 F. Supp. 2d 1108, 1111 (D. Ariz. 2000).

Damages

“[R]ecovery may be had for an invasion of the right of privacy for injured feelings alone[.]” Pegler v. Sullivan, 6 Ariz. App. 338, 341, 432 P.2d 593, 596 (1967) (quoting Reed v. Real Detective Pub. Co., 63 Ariz. 294, 306, 162 P.2d 133, 139 (1945)).

“[S]pecial damages need not be charged or proven, and if the proof discloses a wrongful invasion of the right of privacy, substantial damages for mental anguish alone may be recovered.” Reed v. Real Detective Pub. Co., 63 Ariz. 294, 305, 162 P.2d 133, 139 (1945).

“Fair market value of the unauthorized use is simply one measure of damages available in right of publicity cases...