Protecting an Athlete’s Right of Publicity

By Robert J. Romano, Esq.   As one can surmise from watching any commercial on television, from reading any magazine on a newsstand’s shelf, or from just walking around New York City, professional athletes are consistently being used by sports marketers to endorse a variety of commercial goods and services. For example, New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter can be seen on TV riding around First Avenue in the hopes that those interested in purchasing a car will buy a Ford; Cole Haan Shoes