Neff v. Time, Inc.

Citation. 406 F. Supp. 858 (W. D. Pa. 1976)

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Citation406 F. Supp. 858 (W. D. Pa. 1976)

Brief Fact Summary.

Neff filed suit against Time, Inc. when a picture of him in Sports Illustrated showed him with his “fly down” at a Pittsburgh Steelers game.

Synopsis of Rule of Law.

A person can be held liable for invasion of privacy if an individual uses the name or likeness of another person for his own benefit.

Points of Law - Legal Principles in this Case for Law Students.

A factually accurate public disclosure is not tortious when connected with a newsworthy event even though offensive to ordinary sensibilities.

View Full Point of Law

Neff filed suit against Time, Inc. when a picture of him in Sports Illustrated showed him with his “fly down” at a Pittsburgh Steelers game. Neff claimed that the image was embarrassing and Time moved for summary judgment.

Issue.

Whether a person can be held liable for invasion of privacy if an individual uses the name or likeness of another person for his own benefit?

Held.

Yes. Time’s motion for summary judgment is granted. Sports Illustrated in protected for the publication of Neff under the First Amendment.

Discussion.

A person can be held liable for invasion of privacy if an individual uses the name or likeness of another person for his own benefit.