Why Model Releases Matter

The New York State Division of Human Rights, photographer Jena Cumbo and Getty Images have a pretty big problem on their hands.

Cumbo shot a photo of 25-year-old Avril Nolan for a fashion shoot a while back, then sent the file to Getty to be put in their stock catalog from which the Division of Human a Rights licensed it.

For use in an ad about HIV awareness. Which claims she's HIV positive.

The problem? Model Nolan is not HIV positive and never signed a release authorizing the licensing of her likeness.

The first part of the lawsuit ifs asking for just $450,000. I suspect there will be more.

(Thanks to Curt Chandler for the link.)