What are the legalities in selling a video & still pics of someone famous at a public event?

Question

I was at a golf tournament, and on the three practice days it was allowed to take videos, shoot photos, and get autographs. So I am assuming that I can upload my video and make DVDs for sale on eBay.

Is this correct?

It is mostly of Michael Jordon.

Answer 1

Did you ever hear the old saying - when you assume anything you make an *** out of u and me.  If  you think Michael Jordon is going to let you sell pictures of him on the internet you are sorely mistaken.  The only way you can legally sell any of that type of material is if the people in the photos/videos signed a release giving you the exclusive right.

Answer 2

Paparazzi do it all the time.

Any service marks, trademarks, or copyrights (i.e. use of PGA Tour, the golf course's name, tournament's name) must be, at a minimum, noted.

Not sure if the course is a municipal course or a private course.  If it's a private course, then you may want to carefully read the back of your ticket, and check if the course has any covenants on things of this nature.  At a minimum, there is no way you'd be able to use the course's name.  You could use the city name though, and terms like "Professional Golf" (not PGA Tour), and "Pro Golf Tourney"

Answer 3

As a photographer I can tell you this.  They are a public persona, you took the picture...you have the rights to those photos.  Just like artwork...those pics are yours.  Nobody said "you can't take these."  Therefore they are yours.  Look at the papparazzi etc.  People sell autographs online all the time.  Do you think that Lindsay Lohan signed a release for all the photos in US weekly last week, or Paris Hilton did for People...example.  Nope....however selling a picture like that might be difficult.  Good luck