Malicious prosecution is an intentional tort designed to address the misuse of legal proceedings against an individual without proper justification. A claim requires more than an unsuccessful lawsuit or dismissed criminal charge; specific legal requirements must be established. The malicious prosecution elements generally include initiating or continuing a proceeding, favorable termination, lack of probable cause,…

Privacy torts law protects individuals from intentional invasions of personal privacy that may not fit neatly within traditional property or contract claims. It recognizes that privacy has legal value, particularly when conduct causes humiliation, emotional distress, or reputational harm. From intrusive surveillance to unauthorized use of a person’s image, privacy torts law addresses several distinct…

The right of publicity protects an individual’s commercial interest in the use of their identity. Within intentional torts law, it addresses unauthorized exploitation of a person’s name, image, voice, likeness, or other recognizable attributes. As advertising, social media, and digital replicas increasingly blur the line between reference and endorsement, right of publicity disputes have become…

The appropriation likeness tort protects individuals from the unauthorized use of their identity for another party’s benefit. It commonly arises when a name, photograph, voice, or recognizable image is used in advertising, promotions, or commercial endorsements without permission. Although often grouped with privacy-based intentional torts, this claim can also implicate valuable publicity rights. Liability depends…