New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08882

Introduced
6/9/25  
Refer
6/9/25  
Report Pass
6/17/25  
Refer
6/17/25  

Caption

Relates to the right of publicity; amends the definitions of "deceased performer", "deceased personality" and "digital replica" in relation to the right of publicity; relates to the use of a deceased performer's digital replica without authorization by the applicable right holder.

Impact

The proposed changes will have significant implications for how intellectual property is managed posthumously in New York. By amending definitions and establishing clearer liabilities for unauthorized use, the bill promotes the rights of deceased performers and personalities, ensuring that their likenesses cannot be exploited without consent. This expansion of rights is crucial as it acknowledges the value of a deceased individual's image and persona, recognizing them as property that can be controlled even after death. Overall, this will serve to enhance the protections available to the estates of such individuals.

Summary

Bill A08882 seeks to amend New York's civil rights law to clarify and expand the definitions related to the right of publicity, particularly concerning deceased performers and personalities. The bill aims to protect the likenesses and other identifiers of deceased individuals from unauthorized commercial use, addressing the increasing concerns over the use of digital replicas of such individuals without proper consent. This legislation reflects an evolving understanding of rights as technology advances, particularly in how individuals’ likenesses can be generated and utilized through modern digital means.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a positive step towards protecting intellectual property rights, there are notable contentions regarding its implications. Critics may argue that it could hinder certain creative expressions that rely on using historical figures or their likenesses, especially in contexts such as satire or analysis. Additionally, media companies and creators will need to navigate the new authorization requirements, which could complicate the production of works they may have previously created with minimal legal hindrance.

Voting_history

Though specific voting history details are limited in the document, discussions surrounding A08882 would likely involve debates on the balance between protecting public figures’ rights and fostering creative expression. Stakeholders, including legal experts, artists, and estate representatives of deceased public figures, are poised to weigh in, reflecting a spectrum of viewpoints that could influence how the bill progresses through legislative channels.

Companion Bills

NY S08391

Same As Relates to the right of publicity; amends the definitions of "deceased performer", "deceased personality" and "digital replica" in relation to the right of publicity; relates to the use of a deceased performer's digital replica without authorization by the applicable right holder.

Previously Filed As

NY S02442

Relates to the definition of "sexual orientation" as applicable to the human rights law.

NY A07367

Relates to the definition of "sexual orientation" as applicable to the human rights law.

NY S07676

Establishes contract requirements for contracts involving the creation and use of digital replicas.

NY A08138

Establishes contract requirements for contracts involving the creation and use of digital replicas.

NY S06193

Relates to taxes on gross receipts from ticket sales, broadcasting rights and digital streaming over the internet of combative sport events.

NY A06200

Requires the use of verified accounts and multi-factor authorization before state funds can be distributed digitally.

NY A03790

Provides that a great-grandparent may apply to the supreme court for visitation rights with respect to certain minor great-grandchildren where either or both of the parents of such child is or are deceased.

NY S03320

Creates a residential condominium owner's bill of rights that includes the right to transparency, the right to timely decisions, voting rights, the right to notice, and the right against extraordinary expenses.

NY A06241

Creates a residential condominium owner's bill of rights that includes the right to transparency, the right to timely decisions, voting rights, the right to notice, and the right against extraordinary expenses.

NY S08869

Adds to the definition of trespassing in the third degree, not having entered a lease or license for such building or real property with the rightful owner, enters or remains in such building or upon such real property or otherwise occupies such building or real property without title, right, permission of the rightful owner, or payment of rent accepted by the rightful owner.

Similar Bills

NY S08391

Relates to the right of publicity; amends the definitions of "deceased performer", "deceased personality" and "digital replica" in relation to the right of publicity; relates to the use of a deceased performer's digital replica without authorization by the applicable right holder.

NY A08611

Clarifies the right of publicity including the definitions of who and what qualifies as a digital replica; provides guidance as to digital replicas that do not violate an individual or deceased individual's right to publicity; expands the statute of limitations for an action brought for violating an individual's right to publicity.

MS HB1654

Publicity rights; authorize for persons whose images are used to sell products.

MA S144

Relating to protecting the interests of minor children featured on for-profit family vlogs

MA H2170

Relating to protecting the interests of minor children featured on for-profit family vlogs

HI SR81

Encouraging The United States Congress To Pass The Nurture Originals, Foster Art, And Keep Entertainment Safe Act Of 2023 (no Fakes Act) And The No Artificial Intelligence Fake Replicas And Unauthorized Duplications Act Of 2024 (no Ai Fraud Act).

HI SCR95

Encouraging The United States Congress To Pass The Nurture Originals, Foster Art, And Keep Entertainment Safe Act Of 2023 (no Fakes Act) And The No Artificial Intelligence Fake Replicas And Unauthorized Duplications Act Of 2024 (no Ai Fraud Act).

CA AB1836

Use of likeness: digital replica.