{ "batch": "199-ohio-privacy-and-image-law-for-creators", "articles": [ { "id": "learn_r199_ohio_privacy_and_image_law_for_creators_ohio_statutes_index", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code: official statute site", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio's official online publication of state laws and regulations is at codes.ohio.gov, hosting the Ohio Constitution, Ohio Revised Code, and Ohio Administrative Code.", "body": "Ohio's official online publication of state laws and regulations is at codes.ohio.gov, hosting the Ohio Constitution, Ohio Revised Code, and Ohio Administrative Code.\n\nWhat Ohio Legislative Service Commission actually says:\n\n“Ohio's Official Online Publication of State Laws and Regulations\nOhio law consists of the Ohio Constitution, the Ohio Revised Code and the Ohio Administrative Code.”\n\nNote: Anchor record for Ohio statute site.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ohio Legislative Service Commission", "evidence_quote": "Ohio's Official Online Publication of State Laws and Regulations\nOhio law consists of the Ohio Constitution, the Ohio Revised Code and the Ohio Administrative Code.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "199-ohio-privacy-and-image-law-for-creators", "subject": "Ohio Revised Code", "topic": "official statute site", "applies_to_country": "us-oh", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r199_ohio_privacy_and_image_law_for_creators_ohio_2307_66_civil", "category": "Safety", "title": "Ohio Revised Code 2307.66: civil remedy for nonconsensual intimate image distribution", "summary": "Ohio Revised Code 2307.66 provides a civil cause of action for victims of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images or fabricated sexual images, allowing injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, reasonable attorney's fees and costs, with a four-year discovery-based statute of limitations.", "body": "Ohio Revised Code 2307.66 provides a civil cause of action for victims of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images or fabricated sexual images, allowing injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, reasonable attorney's fees and costs, with a four-year discovery-based statute of limitations.\n\nWhat Ohio Legislative Service Commission actually says:\n\n“(A) A victim of a violation of section 2917.211 of the Revised Code has and may commence a civil cause of action against the offender for any of the following, in addition to reasonable attorney's fees and the costs of bringing the civil action: (1) An injunction or a temporary restraining order prohibiting further dissemination of the image that is the subject of the violation; (2) Compensatory and punitive damages for harm resulting from the violation. (B) The victim shall be presumed to have suffered harm as a result of the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images or the nonconsensual dissemination of fabricated sexual images. (C) A civil action brought under division (A) of this section shall be brought within four years after the victim discovers the private sexual image or fabricated sexual image.”\n\nNote: Civil remedy tied to criminal violation under 2917.211. Covers both private sexual images and fabricated sexual images (deepfakes).", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2307.66", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ohio Legislative Service Commission", "evidence_quote": "(A) A victim of a violation of section 2917.211 of the Revised Code has and may commence a civil cause of action against the offender for any of the following, in addition to reasonable attorney's fees and the costs of bringing the civil action: (1) An injunction or a temporary restraining order prohibiting further dissemination of the image that is the subject of the violation; (2) Compensatory and punitive damages for harm resulting from the violation. (B) The victim shall be presumed to have suffered harm as a result of the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images or the nonconsensual dissemination of fabricated sexual images. (C) A civil action brought under division (A) of this section shall be brought within four years after the victim discovers the private sexual image or fabricated sexual image.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "199-ohio-privacy-and-image-law-for-creators", "subject": "Ohio Revised Code 2307.66", "topic": "civil remedy for nonconsensual intimate image distribution", "applies_to_country": "us-oh", "tags": { "lane": "explicit_solo", "stage": "trouble", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.enforcement", "safety.harm", "money.payout" ], "explicitness": "explicit_solo" } }, { "id": "learn_r199_ohio_privacy_and_image_law_for_creators_ohio_2917_211_criminal", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code 2917.211: criminal offense for nonconsensual dissemination of intimate images", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code 2917.211 criminalizes the knowing dissemination of private sexual images and fabricated sexual images without consent and with intent to harm, with penalties ranging from fifth-degree felony to third-degree felony depending on the subsection violated and prior convictions, plus criminal forfeiture of proceeds.", "body": "Ohio Revised Code 2917.211 criminalizes the knowing dissemination of private sexual images and fabricated sexual images without consent and with intent to harm, with penalties ranging from fifth-degree felony to third-degree felony depending on the subsection violated and prior convictions, plus criminal forfeiture of proceeds.\n\nWhat Ohio Legislative Service Commission actually says:\n\n“(H)(1)(a) Except as otherwise provided in division (H)(1)(b) of this section, whoever violates division (B) of this section is guilty of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images, a felony of the fifth degree. (b) If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of division (B) of this section, a sexually oriented offense, or a child-victim oriented offense, nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images is a felony of the fourth degree. (2)(a) Except as otherwise provided in division (H)(2)(b) of this section, whoever violates division (C) of this section is guilty of nonconsensual dissemination of fabricated sexual images, a felony of the fourth degree. (b) If the offender has previously been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section, a sexually oriented offense, or a child-victim oriented offense, nonconsensual dissemination of fabricated sexual images is a felony of the third degree. (3)(a) Except as otherwise provided in division (H)(3)(b) of this section, whoever violates division (D) of this section is guilty of nonconsensual creation of fabricated sexual images, a felony of the fourth degree. (b) If the offender has previously been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section, a sexually oriented offense, or a child-victim oriented offense, nonconsensual creation of fabricated sexual images is a felony of the third degree.”\n\nNote: Criminal counterpart to civil remedy in 2307.66. Covers dissemination of private sexual images (B), dissemination of fabricated sexual images (C), and creation/solicitation of fabricated sexual images (D). Exceptions in (E) for news, art, law enforcement, medical, and public settings without privacy expectation.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2917.211", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ohio Legislative Service Commission", "evidence_quote": "(H)(1)(a) Except as otherwise provided in division (H)(1)(b) of this section, whoever violates division (B) of this section is guilty of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images, a felony of the fifth degree. (b) If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of division (B) of this section, a sexually oriented offense, or a child-victim oriented offense, nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images is a felony of the fourth degree. (2)(a) Except as otherwise provided in division (H)(2)(b) of this section, whoever violates division (C) of this section is guilty of nonconsensual dissemination of fabricated sexual images, a felony of the fourth degree. (b) If the offender has previously been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section, a sexually oriented offense, or a child-victim oriented offense, nonconsensual dissemination of fabricated sexual images is a felony of the third degree. (3)(a) Except as otherwise provided in division (H)(3)(b) of this section, whoever violates division (D) of this section is guilty of nonconsensual creation of fabricated sexual images, a felony of the fourth degree. (b) If the offender has previously been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section, a sexually oriented offense, or a child-victim oriented offense, nonconsensual creation of fabricated sexual images is a felony of the third degree.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "199-ohio-privacy-and-image-law-for-creators", "subject": "Ohio Revised Code 2917.211", "topic": "criminal offense for nonconsensual dissemination of intimate images", "applies_to_country": "us-oh", "tags": { "lane": "explicit_solo", "stage": "trouble", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.enforcement", "safety.harm", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "explicit_solo" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r199_ohio_privacy_and_image_law_for_creators_ohio_2917_21_cyberharassment", "category": "Safety", "title": "Ohio Revised Code 2917.21: telecommunications harassment including online posting", "summary": "Ohio Revised Code 2917.21 criminalizes telecommunications harassment, including knowingly posting text, audio, or images on an internet website or web page for the purpose of abusing, threatening, or harassing another person, with penalties of first-degree misdemeanor on first offense and fifth-degree felony on subsequent offenses.", "body": "Ohio Revised Code 2917.21 criminalizes telecommunications harassment, including knowingly posting text, audio, or images on an internet website or web page for the purpose of abusing, threatening, or harassing another person, with penalties of first-degree misdemeanor on first offense and fifth-degree felony on subsequent offenses.\n\nWhat Ohio Legislative Service Commission actually says:\n\n“(B)(1) No person shall make or cause to be made a telecommunication, or permit a telecommunication to be made from a telecommunications device under the person's control, with purpose to abuse, threaten, or harass another person. (2) No person shall knowingly post a text or audio statement or an image on an internet web site or web page for the purpose of abusing, threatening, or harassing another person. (C)(2) A violation of division (A)(1), (2), (3), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), or (11) or (B) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree on a first offense and a felony of the fifth degree on each subsequent offense.”\n\nNote: Telecommunications harassment statute explicitly covers online posting (B)(2). Also covers telephonic and electronic communications. Provider immunity in (D) and (E) mirrors CDA 230.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2917.21", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ohio Legislative Service Commission", "evidence_quote": "(B)(1) No person shall make or cause to be made a telecommunication, or permit a telecommunication to be made from a telecommunications device under the person's control, with purpose to abuse, threaten, or harass another person. (2) No person shall knowingly post a text or audio statement or an image on an internet web site or web page for the purpose of abusing, threatening, or harassing another person. (C)(2) A violation of division (A)(1), (2), (3), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), or (11) or (B) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree on a first offense and a felony of the fifth degree on each subsequent offense.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "199-ohio-privacy-and-image-law-for-creators", "subject": "Ohio Revised Code 2917.21", "topic": "telecommunications harassment including online posting", "applies_to_country": "us-oh", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "trouble", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.enforcement", "safety.harm", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r199_ohio_privacy_and_image_law_for_creators_ohio_2903_211_stalking", "category": "Safety", "title": "Ohio Revised Code 2903.211: menacing by stalking including electronic communications", "summary": "Ohio Revised Code 2903.211 criminalizes menacing by stalking, defining it as a pattern of conduct that knowingly causes another to believe the offender will cause physical harm or mental distress, and explicitly covers electronic methods including posting messages via computer, computer network, or telecommunication device, with penalties from first-degree misdemeanor to fourth-degree felony based on aggravating factors.", "body": "Ohio Revised Code 2903.211 criminalizes menacing by stalking, defining it as a pattern of conduct that knowingly causes another to believe the offender will cause physical harm or mental distress, and explicitly covers electronic methods including posting messages via computer, computer network, or telecommunication device, with penalties from first-degree misdemeanor to fourth-degree felony based on aggravating factors.\n\nWhat Ohio Legislative Service Commission actually says:\n\n“(A)(1) No person by engaging in a pattern of conduct shall knowingly cause another person to believe that the offender will cause physical harm to the other person or a family or household member of the other person or cause mental distress to the other person or a family or household member of the other person. (2) No person, through the use of any form of written communication or any electronic method of remotely transferring information, including, but not limited to, any computer, computer network, computer program, computer system, or telecommunication device shall post a message or use any intentionally written or verbal graphic gesture with purpose to do either of the following: (a) Violate division (A)(1) of this section; (b) Urge or incite another to commit a violation of division (A)(1) of this section. (B)(1) Except as otherwise provided in divisions (B)(2) and (3) of this section, menacing by stalking is a misdemeanor of the first degree. (2) Menacing by stalking is a felony of the fourth degree if any of the following applies: (a) The offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section or a violation of section 2911.211 of the Revised Code. (b) In committing the offense under division (A)(1), (2), or (3) of this section, the offender made a threat of physical harm to or against the victim, or as a result of an offense committed under division (A)(2) or (3) of this section, a third person induced by the offender's posted message made a threat of physical harm to or against the victim. (d) The victim of the offense is a minor.”\n\nNote: Explicitly covers electronic stalking (A)(2) including posting messages via any electronic method. Pattern of conduct definition (D)(1) includes 'posting of messages, use of intentionally written or verbal graphic gestures, or receipt of information or data through the use of any form of written communication or an electronic method of remotely transferring information.' Provider immunity in (F) mirrors CDA 230. Protection orders available under 2903.213 and 2903.214.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2903.211", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ohio Legislative Service Commission", "evidence_quote": "(A)(1) No person by engaging in a pattern of conduct shall knowingly cause another person to believe that the offender will cause physical harm to the other person or a family or household member of the other person or cause mental distress to the other person or a family or household member of the other person. (2) No person, through the use of any form of written communication or any electronic method of remotely transferring information, including, but not limited to, any computer, computer network, computer program, computer system, or telecommunication device shall post a message or use any intentionally written or verbal graphic gesture with purpose to do either of the following: (a) Violate division (A)(1) of this section; (b) Urge or incite another to commit a violation of division (A)(1) of this section. (B)(1) Except as otherwise provided in divisions (B)(2) and (3) of this section, menacing by stalking is a misdemeanor of the first degree. (2) Menacing by stalking is a felony of the fourth degree if any of the following applies: (a) The offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section or a violation of section 2911.211 of the Revised Code. (b) In committing the offense under division (A)(1), (2), or (3) of this section, the offender made a threat of physical harm to or against the victim, or as a result of an offense committed under division (A)(2) or (3) of this section, a third person induced by the offender's posted message made a threat of physical harm to or against the victim. (d) The victim of the offense is a minor.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "199-ohio-privacy-and-image-law-for-creators", "subject": "Ohio Revised Code 2903.211", "topic": "menacing by stalking including electronic communications", "applies_to_country": "us-oh", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "trouble", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.enforcement", "safety.harm", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r199_ohio_privacy_and_image_law_for_creators_ohio_111_41_111_99_safeathome", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code 111.41-111.99: Safe at Home address confidentiality program", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio's Safe at Home program (R.C. 111.41-111.99) provides address confidentiality for victims of domestic violence, menacing by stalking, human trafficking, rape, or sexual battery, allowing them to use a substitute address designated by the Secretary of State for public records, voter registration, and service of process, with certification valid for four years and criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure.", "body": "Ohio's Safe at Home program (R.C. 111.41-111.99) provides address confidentiality for victims of domestic violence, menacing by stalking, human trafficking, rape, or sexual battery, allowing them to use a substitute address designated by the Secretary of State for public records, voter registration, and service of process, with certification valid for four years and criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure.\n\nWhat Ohio Legislative Service Commission actually says:\n\n“(A) A person to whom all of the following applies may apply to the secretary of state with the assistance of an application assistant to become a participant in the address confidentiality program, in which an address designated by the secretary of state serves as the person's address or the address of the minor, incompetent, or ward on whose behalf the person is applying: (1) The applicant is an adult who is applying on behalf of the person's self or is a parent or guardian applying on behalf of a minor, incompetent, or ward. (2) The applicant or the minor, incompetent, or ward, as applicable, resides, works, or attends a school or an institution of higher education in this state. (3) The applicant fears for the safety of the applicant, a member of the applicant's household, or the minor, incompetent, or ward on whose behalf the application is made because the applicant, household member, minor, incompetent, or ward is a victim of domestic violence, menacing by stalking, human trafficking, trafficking in persons, rape, or sexual battery. (E) The certification of a program participant shall be valid for four years after the date of the filing of the application for the program participant unless the certification is withdrawn or invalidated before the end of that four-year period. (F)(1) A program participant who continues to be eligible to participate in the address confidentiality program may renew the program participant's certification by submitting a renewal application to the secretary of state with the assistance of an application assistant. (F) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.”\n\nNote: Program administered by Ohio Secretary of State. Applicants must work with a certified application assistant. Substitute address can be used for voter registration (111.44), real property confidentiality notices (111.431), and service of process. Governmental entities must accept substitute address except boards of elections and municipal-owned utilities (111.43). Criminal penalty for unauthorized disclosure in 111.99.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-111.42", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ohio Legislative Service Commission", "evidence_quote": "(A) A person to whom all of the following applies may apply to the secretary of state with the assistance of an application assistant to become a participant in the address confidentiality program, in which an address designated by the secretary of state serves as the person's address or the address of the minor, incompetent, or ward on whose behalf the person is applying: (1) The applicant is an adult who is applying on behalf of the person's self or is a parent or guardian applying on behalf of a minor, incompetent, or ward. (2) The applicant or the minor, incompetent, or ward, as applicable, resides, works, or attends a school or an institution of higher education in this state. (3) The applicant fears for the safety of the applicant, a member of the applicant's household, or the minor, incompetent, or ward on whose behalf the application is made because the applicant, household member, minor, incompetent, or ward is a victim of domestic violence, menacing by stalking, human trafficking, trafficking in persons, rape, or sexual battery. (E) The certification of a program participant shall be valid for four years after the date of the filing of the application for the program participant unless the certification is withdrawn or invalidated before the end of that four-year period. (F)(1) A program participant who continues to be eligible to participate in the address confidentiality program may renew the program participant's certification by submitting a renewal application to the secretary of state with the assistance of an application assistant. (F) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "199-ohio-privacy-and-image-law-for-creators", "subject": "Ohio Revised Code 111.41-111.99", "topic": "Safe at Home address confidentiality program", "applies_to_country": "us-oh", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.privacy", "access.id", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r199_ohio_privacy_and_image_law_for_creators_ohio_1701_07_1706_09_businessaddress", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Business filing address requirements and registered agent", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio requires every corporation (1701.07) and limited liability company (1706.09) to maintain a statutory agent with a physical Ohio street address; the agent's address (primary residence if natural person, or usual place of business if entity) appears on public record, and a post office box is not permitted as the statutory agent address; a commercial registered agent service may be used to keep the owner's residential address off public filings.", "body": "Ohio requires every corporation (1701.07) and limited liability company (1706.09) to maintain a statutory agent with a physical Ohio street address; the agent's address (primary residence if natural person, or usual place of business if entity) appears on public record, and a post office box is not permitted as the statutory agent address; a commercial registered agent service may be used to keep the owner's residential address off public filings.\n\nWhat Ohio Legislative Service Commission actually says:\n\n“(A) Every corporation shall have and maintain an agent, sometimes referred to as the \"statutory agent,\" upon whom any process, notice, or demand required or permitted by statute to be served upon a corporation may be served. The agent shall be one of the following: (1) A natural person who is a resident of this state; (2) A domestic or foreign corporation, nonprofit corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited partnership association, professional association, business trust, or unincorporated nonprofit association that has a business address in this state. (C)(1) The written appointment of an agent shall set forth the name and address in this state of the agent, including the street and number of the agent's primary residence in this state or, if the agent is not a natural person, the agent's usual place of business in this state. (2) As used in division (C)(1) of this section, \"usual place of business\" means a place in this state that is customarily open during normal business hours and where an individual is generally present who is authorized to perform the services of a registered agent, including accepting service of process and other notifications for the person serving as a statutory agent. \"Usual place of business\" does not include a post office box, regardless of whether that post office box has an associated street address.”\n\nNote: Same requirements in 1706.09 for LLCs. Owner can serve as own statutory agent but residential address becomes public record. Commercial registered agent services (typically $49-99/year) provide their address instead. Safe at Home participants may use their substitute address for business filings per 111.43.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1701.07", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ohio Legislative Service Commission", "evidence_quote": "(A) Every corporation shall have and maintain an agent, sometimes referred to as the \"statutory agent,\" upon whom any process, notice, or demand required or permitted by statute to be served upon a corporation may be served. The agent shall be one of the following: (1) A natural person who is a resident of this state; (2) A domestic or foreign corporation, nonprofit corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited partnership association, professional association, business trust, or unincorporated nonprofit association that has a business address in this state. (C)(1) The written appointment of an agent shall set forth the name and address in this state of the agent, including the street and number of the agent's primary residence in this state or, if the agent is not a natural person, the agent's usual place of business in this state. (2) As used in division (C)(1) of this section, \"usual place of business\" means a place in this state that is customarily open during normal business hours and where an individual is generally present who is authorized to perform the services of a registered agent, including accepting service of process and other notifications for the person serving as a statutory agent. \"Usual place of business\" does not include a post office box, regardless of whether that post office box has an associated street address.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "199-ohio-privacy-and-image-law-for-creators", "subject": "Ohio Revised Code 1701.07 and 1706.09", "topic": "business filing address requirements and registered agent", "applies_to_country": "us-oh", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "access.signup", "safety.privacy", "ops.shipping" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r199_ohio_privacy_and_image_law_for_creators_ohio_2741_rightofpublicity", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2741: right of publicity in individual's persona statutory and post-mortem", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2741 establishes a statutory right of publicity in an individual's persona (name, voice, signature, photograph, image, likeness, or distinctive appearance with commercial value), prohibiting unauthorized commercial use during lifetime and for 60 years after death (10 years for deceased Ohio National Guard/armed forces members), with the right freely transferable and descendible by contract, license, gift, trust, will, or intestate succession, and providing civil remedies including actual damages, statutory damages of $2,500-$10,000, punitive damages, treble damages for knowing violations, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief, with a four-year statute of limitations.", "body": "Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2741 establishes a statutory right of publicity in an individual's persona (name, voice, signature, photograph, image, likeness, or distinctive appearance with commercial value), prohibiting unauthorized commercial use during lifetime and for 60 years after death (10 years for deceased Ohio National Guard/armed forces members), with the right freely transferable and descendible by contract, license, gift, trust, will, or intestate succession, and providing civil remedies including actual damages, statutory damages of $2,500-$10,000, punitive damages, treble damages for knowing violations, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief, with a four-year statute of limitations.\n\nWhat Ohio Legislative Service Commission actually says:\n\n“(A) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not use any aspect of an individual's persona for a commercial purpose: (1) During the individual's lifetime; (2) For a period of sixty years after the date of the individual's death; or (3) For a period of ten years after the date of death of a deceased member of the Ohio national guard or the armed forces of the United States. (A)(1) A person who violates section 2741.02 of the Revised Code is liable in a civil action to the person injured by the violation for the following: (a) Actual damages, including any profits derived from and attributable to the unauthorized use of an individual's persona for a commercial purpose as determined under division (A)(2) of this section; (b) At the election of the plaintiff and in lieu of actual damages, statutory damages in the amount of at least two thousand five hundred dollars and not more than ten thousand dollars, as determined in the discretion of the trier of fact, taking into account the willfulness of the violation, the harm to the persona in question, and the ability of the defendant to pay a civil damage award; (c) If applicable pursuant to section 2315.21 of the Revised Code, punitive or exemplary damages. (C) An action under this section shall be brought within four years of a violation of section 2741.02 of the Revised Code.”\n\nNote: Applies only to individuals domiciled in Ohio or who died as Ohio residents after Jan 1, 1998 (2741.03). Exceptions for news, public affairs, sports broadcasts, political campaigns (2741.02(D)). Media publishers immune unless they had knowledge of unauthorized use (2741.02(E)). Right is a property right freely transferable and descendible (2741.04). Who may consent and sue defined in 2741.05 and 2741.06.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2741.02", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ohio Legislative Service Commission", "evidence_quote": "(A) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not use any aspect of an individual's persona for a commercial purpose: (1) During the individual's lifetime; (2) For a period of sixty years after the date of the individual's death; or (3) For a period of ten years after the date of death of a deceased member of the Ohio national guard or the armed forces of the United States. (A)(1) A person who violates section 2741.02 of the Revised Code is liable in a civil action to the person injured by the violation for the following: (a) Actual damages, including any profits derived from and attributable to the unauthorized use of an individual's persona for a commercial purpose as determined under division (A)(2) of this section; (b) At the election of the plaintiff and in lieu of actual damages, statutory damages in the amount of at least two thousand five hundred dollars and not more than ten thousand dollars, as determined in the discretion of the trier of fact, taking into account the willfulness of the violation, the harm to the persona in question, and the ability of the defendant to pay a civil damage award; (c) If applicable pursuant to section 2315.21 of the Revised Code, punitive or exemplary damages. (C) An action under this section shall be brought within four years of a violation of section 2741.02 of the Revised Code.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "199-ohio-privacy-and-image-law-for-creators", "subject": "Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2741", "topic": "right of publicity in individual's persona statutory and post-mortem", "applies_to_country": "us-oh", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "money.payout", "rules.enforcement" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } } ] }