New York Court of Appeals
Tony Stephano v. News Group Publications, Inc.
December 20, 198464 N.Y.2d 174
Summary
The New York Court of Appeals reversed the Appellate Division, dismissed the plaintiff's complaint, and held that the defendant's use of the model's photograph in a fashion news column was not a trade or advertising use within the meaning of Civil Rights Law §§ 50‑51, and that no independent common‑law right of publicity exists.