Legal Ip And Ownership
Do I need to pay licensing fees for the digital likeness of an AI fashion model?
Last Updated: December 4, 2025
Quick Answer
It depends on the source. If you are using a generic, synthetic AI model generated by a tool like Nightjar, no licensing fees are required. You pay the subscription for the tool, not a usage fee for the "person." However, if you are licensing a digital twin of a real human (e.g., an influencer who licensed their face to an agency), you must pay royalties or usage fees to that individual.
The Nightjar Advantage
Nightjar operates on a fixed subscription model (often costing less than $0.10 per image). When you generate a model in Nightjar—whether it's for a "Street Photography" or "Luxury" style—that model is royalty-free. You do not owe residual payments regardless of how many impressions your ad gets.
Cost Comparison: Human vs. AI Models
| Cost Factor | Human Model | Generic AI Model (Nightjar) | Licensed Digital Twin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Rate / Fee | $500 - $5,000+ per day | Included in subscription | Flat fee or revenue share |
| Usage Rights | Limited (e.g., 1 year, web only) | Perpetual / Unlimited | Contract dependent |
| residuals | often required for TV/Print | None | Often required |
| Exclusivity | Costly add-on | High (Create your own unique face) | Varies |
When do you pay?
You only pay licensing fees if you explicitly contract with a "Digital Modeling Agency" that represents specific AI influencers (like Lil Miquela or Aitana). For standard e-commerce photography generated in-house, there is no "model" to pay.