NIL Rights for Creators: Protecting Your Name, Image & Likeness

If you’re making content, growing a following, or building a personal brand online — your name, image, and likeness (NIL) are part of your business. And if you’re not protecting them, someone else might try to use them.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we help creators understand what NIL rights really mean — and how to use them to your advantage. Whether you’re signing your first brand deal, licensing your voice or likeness, or selling merch under your name, we make sure you stay in control of your identity and get paid fairly.

What Are NIL Rights for Creators?

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights give you control over how your personal identity is used for business. That includes:

• Your name or handle
• Your photo or likeness
• Your voice or recordings
• Catchphrases, nicknames, or slogans you’ve made known
• Stylized elements of your brand persona

If a brand wants to feature your face, name, or content — that’s not “just a collab.” That’s a licensing deal involving your NIL. Without a contract, they could use your identity long after the deal ends — or in ways you never agreed to.

How We Help Creators Protect NIL Rights

We work with creators across all platforms — YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, Substack, and more — to review, draft, and enforce NIL agreements.

Here’s how we add value:

1. We explain what the brand is really asking for
   Most deals come with fine print. We break it down in plain English and tell you what’s fair — and what’s risky.
2. We make sure you don’t give away long-term rights
   Usage rights should be limited. We write and negotiate language that controls where, how, and for how long a company can use your name or image.
3. We structure fair payment terms
   Whether it’s a flat rate, percentage, or recurring royalty, we help creators get paid properly for the value they bring.
4. We stop unauthorized use of your identity
   If a brand keeps using your likeness after a deal ends — or without permission — we send takedown demands, negotiate settlements, or file suit if needed.

Real Examples of NIL Issues Creators Face

• A skincare brand keeps running your photo on Facebook ads after a one-month deal.
• A podcast network republishes clips of your voice or likeness to promote new shows without approval.
• A merch company puts your handle on shirts and sells them long after your collab ended.
• A platform “reserves the right” to use your uploaded content in future marketing — even if you delete your account.

These are all NIL-related — and avoidable with the right contract in place.

Common NIL Agreements We Help Creators With

• Brand collaborations and influencer sponsorships
• Licensing your content or likeness for paid ads
• Merch deals under your personal brand
• Affiliate programs using your photo or name
• Third-party platforms using your voice or image in promotions
• Ghostwriting, voiceovers, or behind-the-scenes work where attribution matters

If your identity is being used commercially — you need legal clarity and protection.

Frequently Asked Questions: NIL Rights for Creators

Do I automatically own my NIL rights?

Yes — but to enforce them, you need written terms. We help you assert and defend those rights with contracts that limit use and demand fair compensation.

What if I already signed a deal that gives away too much?

We’ll review the agreement and look for ways to renegotiate, limit future usage, or reclaim control.

Can I license my NIL to multiple brands at once?

Yes — as long as the deals aren’t exclusive. We help you build a licensing strategy that’s flexible and financially smart.

What if someone uses my image or name without asking?

That may violate your publicity rights. We can send a cease-and-desist, demand payment, or pursue legal action based on the misuse.

Is this just for big influencers?

Not at all. NIL protection is critical whether you have 500 followers or 500,000. Your image has value — we help you keep control of it.

Own Your Identity. License It on Your Terms.

As a creator, your identity is your brand. Don’t leave it unprotected. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we help creators at every level license their NIL rights safely — so you can grow your brand without losing control of it.

Call 856-209-3111 or contact us online for a NIL contract review or a customized creator legal strategy.