Anyone who creates content of any kind - letters, photos, memos, etc., owns a personal copyright to the content created, and no one can use private and/or copyrighted materials without the prior written consent of the owners. This applies to songs, photos, and your own image, if used in broadcast or publication.
Every time you see a Dunkin' Donuts coffee cup on the TV or movie screen, Dunkin' Donuts signed a release for you to see it. And if you don't have a signed release, Dunkin' Donuts can sue your ass for copyright infringement. Everyone who's picture appears in a newspaper or magazine, has signed a release for that photo to be printed/broadcast.
There is an entire branch of the insurance industry devoted insuring television and movies productions from lawsuits for copyright infringement.
If you understand what Errors & Omissions (E&O) is and how it can serve your production needs, you’ll set your next film up for even greater success.
www.frontrowinsurance.com
The is also true of magazine and newspaper publishing.