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.