Model Release Form

A Model Release Form is a document by which the subject of a photograph, video, or other work grants another party the consent to publish the work. The model may not be a professional model or a famous person, but any identifiable person who is the subject of a work of intellectual property. For example, if a photographer takes a photo of a celebrity or an identifiable person, that photo may not be used without the express consent of the model.

Generally, intellectual property rights belong to the owner of the work (film maker, photographer, etc.). However, where the photograph or video is based on a particular person, before publishing such work for commercial or other purposes, the consent of that person may be required to avoid civil liability. For example, if the photo of a famous person is being used to advertise a particular product or brand without the person's consent, that person may successfully institute a claim against the publisher.

Therefore, by signing this document, the model discharges and releases the owner of the work (otherwise known as the Publisher) from any liability that may arise from the use of the work. This means that the model acknowledges that the publisher can do anything with the photo or video, including publishing, distributing, altering the photo or video, and the publisher can use the work for any purpose whether commercial or otherwise provided that the model does not restrict the use of the work.

How to use this document

This document can be used by any person who is a photographer, videographer, or other party that is seeking permission to use the image of an individual who is the subject of that person's work.

The party completing this form should enter all the required information. After this, the document should be printed, signed by the parties, and each party should keep a copy for their record. However, if the model is under the age of 18, the document should be reviewed and signed by the model's guardian.

Application law

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 (As amended) guarantees the right to privacy. The Copyright Act, 2004 applies to this document, as well as other Nigerian intellectual property laws. The general rules of contract also apply to this document.

How to modify the template

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.