The bill amends existing Washington state law regarding the property rights of individuals and personalities in their names, voices, signatures, photographs, and newly introduced "forged digital likenesses." It establishes that every individual has a property right in these aspects, which remains valid even after their death, regardless of whether they were commercially exploited during their lifetime. The bill clarifies that these rights are transferable and assignable, and it applies to both living and deceased individuals, ensuring that the rights are recognized regardless of the individual's domicile or citizenship at the time of death.

Additionally, the bill introduces a definition for "forged digital likeness," which refers to a digitally created or modified representation of an identifiable individual that misrepresents their appearance or voice and is likely to deceive others into believing it is genuine. The amendments also specify that any unauthorized use of an individual's or personality's name, voice, signature, photograph, or forged digital likeness for commercial purposes or fundraising constitutes an infringement of their rights, regardless of whether the use is for profit.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 63.60.010, 63.60.020, 63.60.050