With social media use becoming more prominent across more demographics, more individuals earn income as influencers. Influencers can earn revenue from various streams, whether product endorsements on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok or subscriptions on OnlyFans or Patreon. There has never been a better time to earn a living as an influencer in Orlando Florida.
However, with this career being such a new market and several prominent social media platforms and companies looking to watch their bottom line, influencers are at an increased risk of losing out on compensation, followers, or their likeness.
In a Battle with a Large Company, Influencers can Lose Out
When influencers sign contracts with a brand or platform, they often put themselves at the company’s mercy. Influencers can lose more than just compensation; their entire intellectual property is at stake. Many influencers without sufficient intellectual property protection have found that brands have used their likeness without permission. That’s where our Social Media Attorneys in Orlando Florida can help you.
There have been several high-profile examples of media outlets using influencers’ photos without their consent. In many cases, these companies make millions off of photos they do not have permission to use.
It’s not just large media companies stealing from influencers, however. There are several cases of influencers with more significant followings stealing from smaller influencers. In many cases, these smaller influencers lose out on revenue. Larger verified accounts or accounts that aggregate content, at times, steal original content from smaller influencers. They typically get away with this by breaking unofficial agreements with smaller influencers or simply not asking permission to use original content. In many cases, smaller influencers will not only lose out on compensation but won’t even receive credit for their work.
A Moving Target: Intellectual Property Protection in the Digital Age
With more influencers losing out on compensation, credit for their work, or even their likeness, it’s more important than ever to seek a contract that will protect them and not large media companies.
Often influencers are so excited at the prospect of earning a living pursuing their passion that they sign contracts that put them at risk of losing everything. Often these contracts only benefit large media companies and put an influencer at their mercy. It’s not just small influencers that can fall victim to these contracts; however, there are several high-profile instances of influencers with large followings losing out on compensation. Don’t fall victim to unscrupulous companies that will use your likeness for their gain; seek out our influencer counsel today.
Dan LaForest
Director of NIL
Dan LaForest is a Wealth Advisor and Financial Planner with Security Financial Management, Inc. SFM has been voted “Best of Winter Park” for four straight years and is one of the largest independent firms in Florida. He provides financial solutions and advice to retirees, business owners, and those seeking long term guidance. An advocate for education and financial literacy, Dan has carried over from his day-to-day operations to his enthusiasm of promoting student/athletes.
Protect Your Livelihood and Likeness with Influencer Counsel by Bitman Law
Proper influencer counsel can protect users from losing out on revenue, whether it’s from a large media company, aggregate accounts, or larger influencers stealing content. Our team at Bitman Law offers a variety of flat and monthly rates for influencers of all sizes and social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, OnlyFans, Patreon, Twitch, YouTube, and others.
Don’t lose out on revenue or your likeness by signing a contract with an unscrupulous company. Our contract law attorneys can review any agreement and work on more advantageous contracts for you and your brand.
For more information or to talk to our influencer counsel, contact us online. Our team of seasoned lawyers has the experience and knowledge of contract law to protect you and your brand.
