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6 min 4 sec

Q&A: “Can I legally sell t-shirts with retro images of celebrities?”

In today’s episode, we help an aspiring side hustler navigate the tricky world of copyright and likeness rights. Can you legally sell products featuring old-school celebrity images? Let’s break it down.

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What It's About

Is this a great idea—or a great way to get sued?

Notes from Chris

Episode 2996
Starting a business with nostalgic appeal can be a great way to tap into a passionate audience. But when it comes to using images of celebrities, even those who have passed away, the legal landscape can get complicated. Today’s question comes from a listener who wants to sell custom t-shirts featuring retro celebrity designs. Let’s explore the rules around copyright, likeness rights, and how to protect your side hustle from potential legal issues.

"Hey Chris, this is Jamie from New York. I’m thinking about starting a side hustle selling custom t-shirts with retro images of celebrities from the past. I know there are copyright and likeness issues with living people, but what about celebrities who have passed away? Are their images public domain, or would I need special permission to use them? I don’t want to run into legal trouble, but I’m not sure where to start when it comes to intellectual property and vintage designs."

Listen to today's episode to learn more...

 
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To infinity and beyond,

Chris Guillebeau