Releases (Model • Location • Brand)

Last updated: 2025-09-25 • Questions: [email protected]

Short summary: To publish ads that show real people, private places, or recognizable brands, we sometimes need signed releases. Releases protect you and SONAMAK LLC against right-of-publicity and property claims, and they help ads pass platform reviews (Meta/Google/TikTok) without delays. We provide simple e-sign templates and store them securely.

When we'll ask for a Model Release (person's permission)

  • Owner/staff appear on camera (face or distinctive tattoos/voice).
  • Client-provided photos/videos feature a recognizable person.
  • Testimonials or "before/after" portrayals with a real person.
  • Close-ups or featured roles (even in public places).
  • Minors (under 18): parent/guardian must sign.
  • AI/synthetic likeness of a real person (face/voice) — requires both Model Release and our Likeness/AI Consent.

Not typically required for incidental background passers-by who are not identifiable (we still avoid or blur).

Important: We do not knowingly create advertising content featuring minors (under 18) without explicit written consent from a parent or legal guardian, including identity verification and acknowledgment of COPPA and platform advertising restrictions.

When we'll ask for a Location/Property Release

  • Private property interiors (homes, offices, clinics, warehouses).
  • Privately owned public spaces (malls, gyms, venues) where the owner sets rules.
  • Distinctive exteriors clearly identifiable as someone’s property.
  • Artwork, murals, sculptures, décor that are a key visual element.
  • Branded vehicles, uniforms, or signage owned by another company.

Not usually needed for generic, non-identifiable backgrounds or licensed stock we provide.

When we'll ask for Brand/Logo Permission

  • Third-party logo or trademark is visible and not your own brand.
  • Partner badges or manufacturer marks that could imply endorsement.
  • App/UI screenshots of non-client software beyond fair use.

For your own logo, your Order/Agreement covers it.

Why releases matter (for you)

  • Legal safety: avoids right-of-publicity and property claims.
  • Ad approvals: platforms often ask for proof; releases speed reviews.
  • Reuse freedom: re-run or repurpose assets without re-negotiating.

What our releases cover (plain English)

  • Scope & rights: permission to use image/voice in ads for your business.
  • Media & territory: all standard digital placements, worldwide.
  • Time period: usually perpetual for the finished ad (or fixed term if you prefer).
  • Edits/derivatives: cut-downs, captions, aspect ratios, translations.
  • Compensation: states if/what the signer is paid (often “no further payment”).
  • AI clause (if applicable): allows generation/editing of a consenting person's likeness within guardrails (no political/harmful impersonations).
  • Anti-Deepfake: We prohibit use of releases for deceptive deepfakes, fraud, political manipulation, non-consensual intimate imagery, or any harmful impersonation. Our service is for legitimate commercial advertising only with informed consent.
  • Revocation limits: stopping new uses after notice; no recall of already-published ads.

For full AI/biometric terms, see our Likeness/AI Consent.

How we handle the paperwork

  • Templates: Model Release, Location/Property Release, Brand Use Letter.
  • E-sign: mobile-friendly signing. Government-ID and biometric collection is currently disabled. If evidence is legally necessary in the future, we will provide a separate secure intake method and notice first; never send an ID by ordinary email or WhatsApp.
  • Storage: releases are stored with the project record. We do not currently accept ID images through this website or ordinary messaging channels.
  • Access: copies available to you on request for ad reviews or audits.

Quick decision guide

  • A real person is featured? → Model Release.
  • It’s a private place or branded venue? → Location/Property Release.
  • A third-party logo/brand is visible? → Brand Permission.
  • Real person’s face/voice is AI-generated or edited? → Model Release + Likeness/AI Consent.