# Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-40: Unauthorized use of name or picture of any person; punitive damages; statute of limitations

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T8.01_C3_A3_S8.01-40

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-40
- **Heading:** Unauthorized use of name or picture of any person; punitive damages; statute of limitations
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 8.01 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 8.01-40

## Text

A. Any person whose name, portrait, picture, voice, or likeness is used without having first obtained the written consent of such person, or if dead, of the surviving consort and if none, of the next of kin, or if a minor, the written consent of his or her parent or guardian, for advertising purposes or for the purposes of trade, such persons may maintain a suit in equity against the person, firm, or corporation so using such person's name, portrait, picture, voice, or likeness to prevent and restrain the use thereof; and may also sue and recover damages for any injuries sustained by reason of such use. And if the defendant shall have knowingly used such person's name, portrait, picture, voice, or likeness in such manner as is forbidden or declared to be unlawful by this chapter, the jury, in its discretion, may award punitive damages.

B. No action shall be commenced under this section more than 20 years after the death of such person.

Code 1950, § 8-650; 1977, c. 617; 2015, c. 710 ; 2026, cc. 629 , 630 .

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T8.01_C3_A3_S8.01-40. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.