Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Robin Williams restricted use of his image for next 25 years, legal document shows

Legal document passes on all authorised use of the actor's name, signature and image to his charity

Rose Troup Buchanan
Tuesday 31 March 2015 14:11 BST
Comments

An uncovered legal document shows that late actor Robin Williams has restricted the use of his image for the next 25 years.

In practise the Robin Williams Trust, a deed filed as an exhibit in a quarrel over the division of the actor’s personal items, limits the use of Williams’ image until 2039, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The beloved actor, who died on 11 August last year, has passed on all rights to his name, signature, photograph and likeness to the Windfall Foundation - charity set up in his name that distributes funds to other organisations.

Williams’ decision, enacted by his legal team, means that likenesses of the actor cannot be digitally inserted into films – or product endorsements – until at least 11 August 2039.

It is thought to be the first such ruling of its kind and an indication of the quickly evolving technology surrounding the film industry.

The legal document should head off anything similar to the Galaxy chocolate advertisement that ‘resurrected’ the deceased Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn in order to sell a bar of chocolate.

The document was revealed during a legal dispute between Williams’ children and widow.

The actor’s will ruled that his children should inherit his clothing, awards and other personal property but his widow, Susan Schneider, has argued that she is entitled to other personal effects – such as his collection of watches.

It is believed that both sides came to a peaceful agreement yesterday, where it was settled that certain personal items could be collected.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in