Bill > SB753

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 unauthorized use of their name, portrait, or picture, and juries could award punitive damages if the use was knowingly unlawful. This bill adds "voice" and "likeness" to the protected categories, meaning that using someone's voice or image without their written consent (or the consent of their surviving family if deceased, or parent/guardian if a minor) for commercial purposes will now be subject to the same legal remedies, including the possibility of punitive damages, which are intended to punish wrongful behavior and deter future misconduct. The bill also clarifies that any lawsuit under this section must be filed within 20 years of the person's death.