Local law firms welcome image rights approval

FINAL approval of image rights legislation in Guernsey, which came into effect this morning, has been welcomed by local law firms.

The image rights register opened at midnight and there will be much interest within the industry over whether any celebrities pursue registration at the earliest opportunity.

The Image Rights (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Ordinance, 2012, means that for the first time, anywhere in the world, individuals and their agents can register and protect their personality from today.

The law has been described as a 'bold move' by the island to position itself as a world leader in the management, protection and exploitation of an extremely innovative IP right.

'It is about time that IP legislation caught up with what society values – image rights are an important asset class,' said David Evans, director of Collas Crill IP, pictured.