Today On Brand Buzz – How Much Is Public Image Worth?

On NewsTalk 96.5 KPEL's 'Brand Buzz' this week Jaci Russo discussed Katherine Hiegel's $6 million lawsuit against Duane Reade, a New York drugstore chain. Hiegel filed the suit after a picture was snapped of her leaving one of Duane Reade's establishments after shopping there and the picture was subsequently uploaded to Twitter.

Hiegel claims the chain used her image and likeness to promote their business without her permission. According to Russo the question is,

Did they do anything wrong by sharing a picture of a person walking down the street, public street, holding a grocery bag and the exact tag was “Love a quick #DuaneReade run? Even @KatieHeigl can’t resist shopping at #NYC’s favorite drugstore.”

Russo said the real question that is posed is,

When does the endorsement, implied or otherwise, end...And when does it become and actual promotion that she should be compensated for?

To hear more about this incident and it's implications for your business click the blue arrow below to listen to the entire show:

To get more great information on branding visit Jaci's blog www.razorbrandingblog.com.