Hawaii Real Estate Investor Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Misuse of Shohei Ohtani's Likeness

October 2, 2025 - 09:38

In a recent legal development, a Hawaii-based real estate investor has denied allegations of improperly using the likeness of baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani. The amended complaint, submitted on Tuesday, expands the scope of the lawsuit by including Creative Artists Agency and CAA Sports as additional defendants.

The lawsuit claims that the investor wrongfully exploited Ohtani's image for personal gain, raising questions about the rights associated with a public figure's likeness. The inclusion of the agencies representing Ohtani suggests a more complex legal battle ahead, as the case delves into issues of celebrity endorsement and intellectual property rights.

As the situation unfolds, the real estate investor maintains that all actions taken were within legal boundaries and that the lawsuit lacks merit. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how likeness rights are managed, particularly in the realm of sports marketing and endorsements. Stakeholders in both the sports and real estate industries are closely monitoring the developments.