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As reality TV shows featuring small businesses become increasingly popular, other entrepreneurs may be wondering how they can get a piece of the reality TV pie.
However, a better question may be how to deal with some of the legal issues that often accompany a business owner's 15 (or more) minutes of fame.
Before you sign up to be the next "Pawn Stars" or "Duck Dynasty," or even just to be featured in a commercial TV segment, consider these tips about protecting yourself and your business once you're in the limelight:
Most small businesses on reality TV see a huge boost in sales after the airing of their shows. Case in point: Sales at the pawn shop featured on The History Channel's "Pawn Stars" is five times higher now than when the show began in 2009, reports the Associated Press.
Even though this agreement may be favorable for your company, reality TV contracts can potentially go sour by:
Generally, any TV production company seeking to use your likeness, name or persona has to pay you for the rights to use your image in commercial contexts, and the same may be true for your business.
Laws about the "right of publicity" vary from state to state, and in some states, your rights are only implicated when you become a celebrity or a public personality. The contract you sign when you go on TV may also spell out how your name, image, and business can be used commercially, and how you'll be compensated.
Getting a call from a reality TV producer may be exciting, but don't get reeled in too easily. You'll want to make sure the price is right, and that you (and your business) won't be cast in a negative light.
That's why it may be wise to consult an experienced media lawyer in your area before you enter contract talks. You don't want to leave any publicity money on the table, and you'll also want to have someone on your side in the event "lights" and "camera" is followed by "legal action."
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