J Michael Keyes's Answers

Is it legal to use a famous persons name in a product line?

Most states have a statute or common law rule that prohibits using someone else's "name, image, or likeness" for commercial purposes without first obtaining that person's consent. This is known as the "right of publicity" or, in some states, the "right of privacy." It is a species of "personal injury" law. Unless you have “Joe Cocker’s” permission, you may be violating state law right of publicity/privacy.