Using someone’s image at public events: What Costa Rican law says
Coldplay’s concert in Costa Rica left behind more than music — it raised an important legal question: can we legally use someone’s image without consent if they appear at a public event?
According to Article 47 of the Costa Rican Civil Code, yes — when a person is captured at a public event or place, their image can be used without prior authorization.
But there are two key exceptions:
- If the image is used in a commercial context without consent
- If the use causes harm to the person’s dignity or reputation
That means companies posting photos or videos from events must still be cautious. Image rights in Costa Rica are protected, even in public spaces.
Watch the video to understand the limits and responsibilities when sharing content from events.
