The incomparable talent of Robin Williams will remain a sorely missed presence in feature films in years to come, but it appears his image or name won't appear in advertising or even referenced in future works in a unique legal move which bans his appearance until 2039.

As the family of Robin Williams continues to battle over the late actor's estate, it has emerged that Williams had restricted any use of his image for 25 years after his death.

Total ban: Robin Williams took measures to stop his image being used after he died. Credit:AP

In a move which would nix any use of Williams in advertising or in any future movies through digital insertion or even by name, it appears to be a pioneering measure to protect his estate against future tax liabilities, says The Hollywood Reporter.