This course provides a comprehensive and practical exploration of three major sectors of media and personal rights law: defamation, privacy, and the right of publicity. It is designed for journalists, content creators, lawyers, business owners, PR experts, influencers, and everyday individuals who want to understand how to protect themselves legally or avoid violating someone else’s rights.
Rather than focusing on abstract legal theory, this course breaks down real-world legal principles using practical applications: how to avoid being sued for defamation, how to sue someone who spreads lies, how to legally publish stories about private individuals, how to use someone’s image legally, and when publishing private facts becomes unlawful.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Understand the legal elements and defenses of defamation (libel and slander).
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Distinguish protected opinions from defamatory statements of fact.
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Recognize the various forms of privacy violations — intrusion, public disclosure, false light, appropriation.
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Understand and apply the right of publicity — commercial control over name, image, voice, and likeness.
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Know the difference between public figure vs private individual protection under law.
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Apply legal risk management strategies to journalism, production, social media, business, and personal disputes.
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Draft or respond to cease-and-desist letters, retractions, takedown requests, and legal claims.
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Balance free speech, press rights, artistic expression, and personal dignity.
