Bill > A07295

This bill expands the right of publicity in New York State by extending the period during which a deceased person's name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness can be legally protected from 40 to 70 years after their death. The bill modifies existing civil rights law to broaden the definition of unauthorized use, which now includes "a substantially similar imitation" of a person's attributes. This means that anyone who uses a deceased personality's identifying characteristics on products, in advertising, or for selling services without prior consent from the designated rights holders can be held liable for damages. The changes apply retroactively to individuals who died both before and after the law's effective date, which will be 180 days after it becomes law. This expansion of the right of publicity provides longer-lasting protection for the commercial use of a person's image and identity, potentially benefiting the estates and heirs of deceased celebrities, public figures, and other notable personalities by giving them an extended period to control and monetize their loved one's likeness.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7295