Can I use photos of employees without their consent?

No. Every employee must give consent for the use of their likeness, even if photographed at work. An exception applies to journalistic documentation of public events.

How long is a model release valid?

The consent is valid for the period stated in the form. If no period is stated, consent is revocable at any time. Always specify an explicit validity period.

Does a model release apply to past photos?

A retroactive consent is possible, but we recommend renewing it for each new use. For photos where consent was not given, personality rights law applies and there is a risk of a claim.

Must I pay a model fee for a photo release?

It is not mandatory — consent can be given without payment if the person agrees. Commercial use with payment is recommended practice and increases legal certainty.

IP & Creative

Photo / video release form

Model release — photos and video

Use photos or videos of people legally, without the risk of a personality rights claim.

Start free Features

GDPR compliant · EU-hosted

Personality rights claims without consent cost an average of €15,000 to resolve

72 % of marketing teams do not use a formal model release

A digital consent form with a signature reduces the risk of a claim by 95 %

A consent form for using a person's likeness, photos and videos for marketing, commercial or editorial purposes. AI tailors the scope, term and compensation.

Legal context

Using the likeness of a natural person requires their consent under general personality rights law and Art. 85 GDPR (photos constitute personal data). Use without consent is unlawful.

Civil Code § 11 — personality rights; GDPR Art. 85 — photographs constitute personal data

Legal basis & glossary

When to use a Photo / video release form

Before photographing or filming people for marketing materials
When creating corporate profile photos or videos
Before publishing customer testimonials with photographs
For influencer collaborations involving a person's likeness

What you get

Commercial and editorial use
Online and offline channels
Geographic scope
Exclusivity of rights

How it works

From idea to signature

Commercial and editorial use

Online and offline channels

Geographic scope

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Photo / video release form

It is not recommended. Verbal consent is difficult to prove. Written (including electronic) consent is a much stronger form of evidence in case of a dispute.