What Pam Zapata has said about Perpetuity clauses and likeness rights

Zapata argues that granting usage rights in perpetuity is the costliest mistake creators make in deals.

“no one should have anyone's right or like right to use their likeness in perpetuity. That's just like bad business”

Coffeez with Joe Shalaby: She Quit Her Job and Built a 7 Figure Talent Agency | Pam Zapata | Coffeez Ep. 323 (Oct 29, 2026) · Listen from 43:28

Zapata recounts clients discovering their images on billboards years after small one-time payments due to perpetuity clauses.

“I got paid two thousand dollars for this campaign one time eight years ago. And now they're using my image on a billboard”

Coffeez with Joe Shalaby: She Quit Her Job and Built a 7 Figure Talent Agency | Pam Zapata | Coffeez Ep. 323 (Oct 29, 2026) · Listen from 43:44

Zapata advises creators to read contracts, exclude perpetuity, define scope, and hire an attorney.

“Read the contract. Make sure that perpetuity is not in the agreement. Make sure the scope is lined out and very clear”

Coffeez with Joe Shalaby: She Quit Her Job and Built a 7 Figure Talent Agency | Pam Zapata | Coffeez Ep. 323 (Oct 29, 2026) · Listen from 1:06:49