Can I use the CafePress Service to publish a book about another person or a famous person?
Maybe, in merchandising, the use of another person’s name or likeness is rarely, if ever, permitted. However, the First Amendment may give you a right to publish a book about another person, particularly if that person is famous or involved in a newsworthy event. But, this right is limited. For example, you cannot defame another person or invade their right of privacy. Similarly, the First Amendment does not allow you to publish false or misleading information about a celebrity or use that celebrity’s name or likeness to sell products. The limits to the First Amendment are hard to define, even for experts. Therefore, you should obtain permission from any person about whom you write a book about or consult with an attorney to make sure that you are not violating that person’s rights.
