Which branch of invasion of privacy involves the commercial appropriation of someone's name or likeness?

The correct choice reflects the legal concept of appropriation, which refers specifically to the unauthorized use of a person's name or likeness for commercial purposes. In tort law, this invasion of privacy occurs when someone commercially exploits another individual's identity without their consent. Examples can include using a person's photo in advertisements or merchandise without their permission.

This branch of invasion of privacy is rooted in the idea that individuals have a right to control how their identity is used, particularly when it can lead to financial gain for someone else. The law recognizes that such unauthorized usage can harm the person's dignity and profit, which is why appropriation is treated as a distinct form of privacy invasion.

In contrast, the other options refer to different types of privacy invasions that do not involve the commercial exploitation of an individual’s likeness. For instance, publication of private facts deals with disclosing private information, intrusion upon seclusion involves unlawfully invading someone's personal space or affairs, and false light pertains to portraying someone in a misleading way that could harm their reputation. Each of these addresses different issues related to privacy, underscoring that appropriation is specifically about unauthorized commercial use.