Bill > HB581

This bill expands existing Virginia law to protect individuals from the unauthorized use of their voice or likeness, in addition to their name or picture, for advertising or trade purposes. Previously, individuals could sue to prevent or recover damages for the misuse of their name, portrait, or picture, and juries could award punitive damages if the use was knowing. This legislation clarifies that the same protections and remedies, including the ability to seek punitive damages for knowing violations, now apply to the unauthorized use of a person's voice or likeness. The bill also maintains the existing statute of limitations, which allows lawsuits to be filed up to 20 years after a person's death.