Preface

• Author: Weston Anson
• Pages: xiii-xiv

xiii

PREFACE

Who Should Read This Book,

and Why?

While this book takes on a multi-faceted topic, it is nonetheless laid out in a logical, thor-

ough, and easy-to-read format. It is in fact two books in one. Part I is a legal book covering

the genesis of rights of publicity and the laws in all states that have a statute or common

law precedent. Citing pioneering case studies, it also provides an overview of today’s

cases. Parts II and III deal with the business, finance, and analytical issues of valuing ROP

rights, and the structuring and pricing of deals for all types of celebrities. Deals ranging

from promotions to licenses to online tweets to one-time appearance fees are discussed.

It is written simply and in an accessible and linear manner. It is, however, about a

complex topic, rights of publicity, which crosses the borders of:

• legal management

• talent management, and

• business and marketing management.

And it helps bring these three perspectives together. Consequently, it’s written for three

audiences:

• the legal advisor

• the business/talent manager, and

• the celebrities themselves.

All three should read this book. And they all should read it for the following reasons:

• The legal and business complexities are far greater than with other forms of

intellectual property.

• Right of publicity is not a federally protected intellectual property right.

Instead, right of publicity is covered by a patchwork of state statutes and

common law precedents.

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