THE registrar of intellectual property in Guernsey believes introducing image rights legislation locally is an opportunity not to be missed.

John Ogier (pictured), who has helped to shape the report that the Commerce and Employment Department is taking to the States next month, said the consultation undertaken with industry and intermediaries showed there was definitely a demand for the likes of film stars, sportsmen and other celebrities to be able to register their image rights in Guernsey on a statutory basis.

If enabled and brought into force, Guernsey would become the first jurisdiction in the world to introduce specific image rights legislation and its own register.

‘Image rights have become a very valuable commodity in the 21st century. There is no doubt that there are people out there who want it,’ said Mr Ogier.

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