As used in this chapter:

(A) "Persona" means an individual's name, voice, signature, photograph, image, likeness, or distinctive appearance, if any of these aspects have commercial value.

(B) "Commercial purpose" means the use of or reference to an aspect of an individual's persona in any of the following manners:

(1) On or in connection with a place, product, merchandise, goods, services, or other commercial activities not expressly exempted under this chapter;

(2) For advertising or soliciting the purchase of products, merchandise, goods, services, or other commercial activities not expressly exempted under this chapter;

(3) For the purpose of promoting travel to a place;

(4) For the purpose of fundraising.

(C) "Name" means the actual, assumed, or clearly identifiable name of or reference to a living or deceased individual that identifies the individual.

(D) "Right of publicity" means the property right in an individual's persona to use the individual's persona for a commercial purpose.

(E) "Trier of fact" means the jury or, in a nonjury action, the court.

(F) "Written consent" includes written, electronic, digital, or any other verifiable means of authorization.

(G) "Institution of higher education" means a state institution of higher education as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, a private nonprofit college or university located in this state that possesses a certificate of authorization issued by the Ohio board of regents pursuant to Chapter 1713. of the Revised Code, or a school located in this state that possesses a certificate of registration and one or more program authorizations issued by the state board of career colleges and schools under Chapter 3332. of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 04-03-2003 .