Image Use Consent: When Notarization Matters

Image Use Consent: When Notarization Matters

Image use consent is a written document by which a person authorizes another individual or organization to publish, distribute, or otherwise use their photographs or video recordings. Notarial certification of such consent is not always mandatory, but in many situations it significantly strengthens the legal force of the document and protects both parties from disputes.

Key Points

• Notarial certification gives photo consent the status of an official document with an established date and verified identity.
• Certification is essential when images will be used for commercial purposes, advertising, international projects, or when transferring rights to third parties.
• For minors, parental or legal guardian consent is required, and I recommend notarizing it.
• Duration and territory of use must be clearly specified in the consent text.

When Notarial Certification Is Necessary

In my practice, I frequently encounter situations where parties seek certification of consent for photography and image use in the following cases:

Commercial use. If photographs or videos will be used in advertising campaigns, on product packaging, in corporate presentations, or for sale — notarial consent becomes a mandatory element of the agreement. It confirms that the model or depicted person consciously transferred rights and cannot subsequently raise claims.

International projects. When publishing materials abroad or collaborating with foreign companies, notarized consent simplifies document legalization (apostille) and recognition of their legal force in other countries.

Transfer of rights to third parties. If the image rights holder plans to resell or transfer materials to partners, agencies, or media, notarial consent guarantees transparency in the chain of rights.

Photography of minors. Using images of children requires written consent from both parents or guardians. Notarial certification here protects the child's interests and confirms the adults' authority.

General Procedure

Exact fees for notarial services should be verified with the notary on the day of application, as rates are periodically revised depending on the nature of the service and document volume.

Which Documents to Bring

I recommend preparing in advance:

• Passport of the person giving consent (original).
• Birth certificate of the child and passports of both parents, if dealing with a minor.
• Consent text in two copies (you can bring a draft; the notary will help refine the wording).
• Details of the organization or person to whom rights are being transferred (full name, taxpayer identification number, address).

If one parent cannot be present, their notarized consent, prepared in advance, will be required.

What Must Be Included in the Consent

When drafting the document, pay attention to the following provisions:

Scope of rights. Specify which actions are permitted: publication in print media, online posting, TV broadcasting, use in outdoor advertising, etc.

Duration. Consent can be perpetual or time-limited. If you don't want your images used forever, specify a concrete period.

Territory. Define the geography: Uzbekistan only, CIS countries, worldwide.

Possibility of rights transfer. Indicate whether the rights holder may transfer materials to third parties without additional consent.

Compensation. If payment is provided, specify the amount, procedure, and payment deadlines.

FAQ: Common Questions

Can consent be revoked after notarization?

Revoking consent is possible, but the procedure depends on the conditions specified in the document. If no revocation mechanism is indicated, mutual agreement of both parties or a court decision will be required.

Is certification needed for social media posts?

For personal pages and non-commercial publications, notarial certification is usually not required. Verbal or simple written permission suffices. However, if the account is used for business purposes, I recommend formal written consent.

How long does notarial consent remain valid?

The validity period is determined by the document text. If no term is specified, consent is considered perpetual but may be revoked in the manner provided by law or the consent itself.

What if the child has turned 14?

Teenagers aged 14 and above sign the consent themselves, but written permission from parents or guardians is also required. All parties appear before the notary together.

How to certify consent if one parent is abroad?

The parent can prepare consent before a notary in their country of residence (with apostille or consular legalization) and send the certified document. Alternatively, they can grant power of attorney to the other parent to represent the child's interests.

Practical Recommendations

From my experience: disputes over image use most often arise precisely because of unclear wording or absence of written consent. Notarial certification not only gives the document legal weight but also disciplines the parties — people read the text more carefully and ask questions before signing.

If you're planning collaboration with photographers, advertising agencies, or media, I advise discussing usage terms in advance and formalizing them with a notary. This saves time and stress for both parties.

Conclusion

Notarial consent for image use is a reliable tool for protecting the rights of both the model and the content rights holder. It is especially important in commercial projects, when working with minors, and in international collaboration. Clear wording, specification of duration and territory, document review by a notary — all this minimizes risks and creates transparent legal relationships.

Please note: this article is of a general informational nature and does not replace individual notarial consultation. Each situation is unique, and final recommendations depend on specific circumstances.

If you need to certify photo or video consent, I invite you to my notary office in Yunusabad district of Tashkent. I'll help prepare the document, review the wording, and conduct the procedure at your convenience.