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AP17:021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2017
Contact:
Sam Mahood or Jesse Melgar
(916) 653-6575

Secretary Padilla Announces Upgraded Search Tool for Successors-in-Interest Filings

SACRAMENTO Secretary of State Alex Padilla announced upgrades to the Secretary of State’s online search engine of successor-in-interest claims. Sucessor-in-interest claims are required from anyone seeking to use a deceased celebrity or personality’s names, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness for commercial purposes.

View the upgraded successor-in-interest search tool

“The upgraded Successor-in-Interest search tool provides faster, easier access to filings with the Secretary of State’s office,” Secretary of State Alex Padilla said. “Real-time posting of filings and downloadable document images improves transparency and the customer experience.”

The new successor-in-interest search tool will provide the following:

  • Real-time data upload of successor-in-interest claims to the Secretary of State’s website for immediate viewing by the public.
  • The ability to display and print an image of the registration of claim form filed with the Secretary of State’s office.

"The upgraded Successor-in-Interest search tool is just the latest in our efforts to digitize filings, improve access to business records and improve customer service," Padilla added.

Press Release: Secretary of State Padilla Announces New California Business Search Tool (December 13, 2016)

What is a successor-in-interest claim?

To use a deceased personality's name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness in any manner for commercial purposes, you first must register your claim as a successor-in-interest to use those intellectual property rights with the Secretary of State as required by Civil Code section 3344.1.

Each successor-in-interest claim filed with the Secretary of State's office is required to contain the personality's name, date of death, the name and address of the claimant and the interest claimed.

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