This may be an unnecessary warning, but unless you have a model release signed by Angelina Jolie to use her image to promote your site, you should probably find another photo to use.

I'm not a lawyer and laws vary by state, but in most states, to use someone's image commercially, you need a model release, which basically a contract stating that they have received appropriate compensation for use of their image. (Note, it is not necessary to have a model release for "news" uses.)

Failing to do so opens you up to being sued. Using a celebrity's image increases that likelihood because they have a legitimate claim that their image is worth something.

I totally agree with you about that. It could be that when she was younger she had some pictures taken, signed a release and some agency/photog. owns the rights. This agen(t)/cy in turn could sell the image for a specific use and she can't do anything about it.

Now, if it's hers and she's got the (c) on it, then she could sue for all kinds of damages, if used without express consent.

I have no idea when this image was taken.

Exactly. And I didn't even address the copyright issues with using this image.

As I mentioned in another comment, the laws on this one would be pretty clear cut, and regardless of how you feel about IP laws, it would be a huge mistake to so flagrantly misuse an image while starting a business.

Wow...didn't even think about that. Looking to find a new image now. Thanks!

No problem. I made the comment for you guys, especially as you're starting to get press, but also for the community as a whole.

While IP issues are rarely clear cut here in HN, I think we can agree that, with current copyright laws, you'd be hard pressed to argue that you weren't violating the photographer's copyright as well as misusing Ms. Jolie's image. I understand that not everyone here agrees with the laws as they're currently written, but when you're starting a business, things like this are important to get right, regardless of how you feel about IP laws.

I don't always hate on the patriarchy, but when I do it's because of crap like this.

True enough. I think someone should put out an app to keep track of and share info about guys who use apps which objectify women like that.

And call it "douchebook".

Disgusting.

Is this a joke?

Not at all. We saw a clear demand for this type of thing. Guys already keep little black books and discuss girls with their friends -- we just made it digital and secure!

curious..so when does the age restrictions go up as its obvious yo cannot do this for minors as far as US law is concerned.

Why would there be age restrictions, other than the usual "can't collect user data under 13"?

good way to keep track of all the broads with your bros

Just curious what people think of http://www.onlulu.com/

Not sure why the tech press is beating up the creators of Playbook when that already exists. It's all in good fun anyways

Apparently, Playbook has stirred a bit of controversy?

Controvsery is defined as: Disagreement, typically when prolonged, public, and heated

There's not really any controversy here. Y'all aren't even pretending this isn't insanely offensive. You just seem to feel okay about it.

yeah bro this is so bro

You can't be serious.