At what point does a dead person's image enter the public domain?

Question

Apparently the Ronald Reagan Institute claims to own Ronald Reagan's image and claims the ability to prevent the use of his image for commercial gain.
I am pretty sure I am allowed to sell pictures of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and John F. Kennedy for profit. But I can't sell images of Ronald Reagan for profit?
At what point does a person's image enter the public domain?

Dale M · Answer

In California, 70 years
This is statutorily determined by the Celebrities Rights Act passed in 1985. Before that, such rights were not inheritable following Lugosi v Universal Pictures.
California law applies because Reagan was a California resident at the time of his death.

At what point does a dead person's image enter the public domain?

One Answer

In California, 70 years

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