Another first for Guernsey - Image Rights

Guernsey is set to become the first destination in the world to introduce a register for the protection of image rights. Following extensive consultation with local industry, local authorities have approved the introduction of specific legislation for the purpose and plan to have the legal framework in place in time for the 2012 Olympics.

Building on the island’s already enviable reputation within the Intellectual Property arena, this move will create the ideal complementary platform for the island’s finance sector to market their services, and it is anticipated that the potential incremental business attracted will generate significant income for the island’s economy.

Image rights are essentially the rights to control the commercial use of a person’s identity and images associated with that person, including distinctive expressions, characteristics or attributes. Most celebrities and sportsmen earn a significant percentage of their income from image rights contracts. The new legislation will create contractual certainty and ensure these rights are afforded full protection during and beyond an individual’s life.

The intellectual rights registry will be managed by the already existing Guernsey Intellectual Property Office - part of the Guernsey Registry.