The photographer, Mannie Garcia, had sued arguing that he owned the copyright to the picture and should be entitled to any profits made from it. Mr. Garcia’s lawyer told the Associated Press that his client dropped the suit because it had “taken a toll on him personally and professionally.”
via ArtsBeat Blog.
7 Comments
To be honest I am surprised, but very happy with the outcome. I thought Shepard and Studio One were in big trouble for a minuet there.
@Alex, oh, they still are in very big trouble. This story is about a lawsuit between the photographer and AP, nothing really to do with Fairey.
We always make a big deal about retaining the copyright to images, but enforcing that copyright can be very difficult when dealing with big corporations with lots of lawyers. A copyright really is nothing more than grounds for a lawsuit. And if you are suing someone with deep pockets, right and wrong becomes a side issue — the real question is who can afford a protracted legal battle.
@Tom, exactly.
as a painter who used to work as a candid portrait photographer, Fairey disgusts me. I can’t believe that he gets away with what he does, simply becuase his image was politically popular. Let’s face it, there are many people who vehemently defend him now who would not have done so if his image was of- say, Condoleeza Rice or Tony Blair or even Margaret Thatcher. Or even- quelle horreur!- John McCain.
It seems to me that sometimes crimes are forgivable, so long as they are committed by the right people.
@JeD,
“It seems to me that sometimes crimes are forgivable, so long as they are committed by the right people.”
Those are wise words.
You made some decent points there. I appeared on the internet for the problem and found most people will associate with together with your website.
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