News/Press

A U.S. District Court judge found Elie Tahari liable for infringing on a photographer’s copyright, by posting his image on social media, without permission. By Gonzalo E. Mon and Michael Zinna.  Ad Law Access.  https://bit.ly/2HqJA33  

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the decision of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, that the media giant is liable for using and altering the image’s copyright credit, without permission. By Blake Brittain. Bloomberg Law. https://bit.ly/3axBWP2

Atlanta photographer’s copyrighted photo of Miley Cyrus was posted to the celebrity’s Instagram account, without permission or compensation. By Rebecca Rosenberg.  The New York Post.  https://pge.sx/2B3H6Fc

French-Italian photojournalist claims that Microsoft-owed MSN published her copyrighted images, without permission. By Kirsten Errick.  Law Street Media.  https://bit.ly/2Xtpx8I      

New York photographer alleges that actress Jennifer Hudson posted the lensman’s copyrighted image to her Instagram account, without permission. By Rebecca Rosenberg.  The New York Post. https://pge.sx/2TqQpVI  

Photographer claims that news outlet published her copyrighted image without permission. By Law Street Media. https://bit.ly/2X1DKJQ  

Artist claims that Aaron Carter posted his copyrighted image on his Instagram account, for marketing purposes, without permission. By Rebecca Rosenberg.  The New York Post.  https://pge.sx/3b4qclv  

Photographer claims that fashion label used her copyrighted images without permission. The Fashion Law. https://bit.ly/2yWsp5p

Photographer claims that Sinclair Television Group published his copyrighted image without permission or compensation. By Kirsten Errick. LawStreetMedia. https://bit.ly/2YaqioO

New York photographer claims that actress Jennifer Lopez posted his copyrighted image to her Instagram profile, without permission or compensation. By Rebecca Rosenberg. The New York Post. https://pge.sx/2VLHWMR  

New York photographer claims that comedian Amy Schumer posted his copyrighted image on her Instagram page, without permission or compensation. By Leonard Greene.  New York Daily News. https://bit.ly/2RpoynP

New York photographer claims that actress Ellen Barkin tweeted his copyrighted image, without permission or compensation. By Clémence Michallon. The Independent. https://bit.ly/2WZGAjN

New York photographer claims that InfoWars published his copyrighted image of EMTs attempting to revive late-financier and sex offender Jefferey Epstein, on its website, without permission or compensation. By Jonathan Tilove.  Austin American-Statesman.  https://bit.ly/2UvTfJY      

Photographer claims that actress Mandy Moore posted his copyrighted image on her Instagram page, without permission or compensation. By Corinne Heller.  E! News.  https://eonli.ne/3byDQyb

The NBA star is accused of posting a freelance sports photographer’s copyrighted image to James’s Facebook and Instagram pages, without permission or compensation. By Michael McCann.  Sports Illustrated.  https://bit.ly/3afYD9j  

Florida photographer claims that the NBA star posted the lensman’s copyrighted images to James’s Facebook page, for marketing purposes, without permission or compensation. By Ryan Naumann. The Blast.  https://bit.ly/3ddZhWD

ASAT Outdoors, LLC settles dispute with Supreme for selling ASAT’s copyrighted camouflage designs, without permission or compensation. The Fashion Law.  https://bit.ly/2Q1lq0I    

Photographer alleges that the Recording Academy published his copyrighted photo of hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg on the Grammys’ website and social media, and removed his photo credit, without permission or compensation. By Marsha Silva. Digital Music News. https://bit.ly/2usZ2pk

Photographer claims that the pop star posted his copyrighted image to her Instagram account, without permission or compensation. The Fashion Law.  https://bit.ly/376hcLz

Florida author and music photographer claims that actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s media company infringed on his copyrighted image. By Cydney Contreras.  E! News.  https://eonli.ne/3033c2H

Photographer claims that R&B singer Rihanna’s cosmetics brand, Fenty, infringed on the lensman’s copyrighted celebrity image.  https://bit.ly/37x7wcY.  The Fashion Law.        

Photographer files suit against supermodel Emily Ratajkowski, for posting the lensman’s copyrighted image on her Instagram account, without permission. By Kristine Lofgren. Inquistr. https://bit.ly/2W7cOaF

Photographer claims that the band posted her copyrighted photo on its social media pages, for publicity purposes, without permission. By Ryan Naumann. The Blast. https://bit.ly/2MBMfXT

New York photographer sues the singer-songwriter for posting the lensman’s copyrighted image on Bieber’s Instagram account, without permission. By Jess Cohen.  E! News. https://eonli.ne/32oSaVy

The singer posted New York-based photographer Robert Barbera’s copyrighted photos on her Instagram account, without paying for a license or requesting permission: https://eonli.ne/2Q5INEQ By Mike Vulpo.  E! News.

Instagram influencer Clarissa Cardenas claims that the streaming giant infringed on her footage of the event scandal, in a new documentary. TMZ.  https://bit.ly/2EGvlDq

New York photographer Kevin Downs alleges that the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) published his copyrighted image of a New York City ping-pong match, without permission. By Darren Heitner.  The Sports Biz.  https://bit.ly/2DxT6Mo

New York photographer claims that the tabloid published his copyrighted image of Senator Chuck Schumer’s daughter’s wedding, without permission. World IP Review.  https://bit.ly/2RGRkNI

Photographer Michael Schwarz alleges that Georgia’s Attorney General’s campaign used his copyrighted photo of a political opponent, without permission. By R. Robin McDonald.  Daily Report.  https://bit.ly/2FZrJOY    

Plaintiff Kristen Pierson claims that the company did not honor her DMCA takedown notice, after failing to remove her copyrighted photo from a Facebook page that published her unlicensed work. By Ernesto Van der Sar.  TorrentFreak.  https://bit.ly/2TdabS4      

Canadian photographer learns a tough lesson, after agreeing to license his work, royalty-free, to a microstock photography site. By Michael Zhang.  PetaPixel. https://bit.ly/2TTemCu  

Kevin Liles claims that Governor-elect Brian Kemp used Liles’ copyrighted image of a political rival, in a negative TV campaign spot. By R. Robin McDonald.  Daily Report. https://bit.ly/2HctCcj

Brooklyn-based photographer Rebecca Fay Walsh claims that her photograph of hip-hop star Cardi B. was published on two of Viacom’s websites, without permission or compensation. By TMZ.  https://bit.ly/2SIuLd3    

Donald Trump, Wedding Crasher, Ends Up Being Bad Copyright News for Esquire.com As was reported by Hollywood Reporter, a photograph of President Donald Trump crashing a wedding hosted at his golf course went viral. Several media outlets used this image, which was subject to copyright protection in favor of the photographer. The photographer sued, and […]

The digital age has ushered in an explosion in creative collaboration, not the least of which is made possible by various social media platforms. For creators and consumers alike, the ability to share, engage and experiment with this elastic, new medium has created as many opportunities as challenges. Among the challenges facing the professional creative […]

Jonathan Otto claims that his copyrighted image of President Trump was infringed on by Esquire, a website owned by Hearst Communications. By Eriq Gardner.  The Hollywood Reporter. https://bit.ly/2QvZPzO        

Famed Los Angeles, California, rock-and-roll photographer Neil Zlozower claims that music-streaming service Spotify infringed on Zlozower’s exclusive, copyrighted photograph of the band Mötley Crüe. By Alexander Fagaulin.  World Intellectual Property Review. https://bit.ly/2SGt4MJ  

Brooklyn, NY, photographer Jeff Bachner claims that East Texas Radio published his registered photograph on its website, without permission. By Lynn LaRowe.  Texarkana News. https://bit.ly/2yMfEHD  

New York photographer claims that a Texas newspaper used her photograph on its website, without permission. By John Suayan.  SE Texas Record. https://setexasrecord.com/stories/511605574-n-y-state-photographer-raises-copyright-infringement-allegations-against-local-spanish-language-publication  

New York photographer claims that East Texas Radio published his copyrighted image, without permission…

Polaris Images claims that the Boston Globe published a copyrighted photo taken by one of its represented photographers…

New York photographer claims that East Texas Radio published his copyrighted image, without permission. Inside Radio.  https://bit.ly/2OXwrgo    

Polaris Images claims that the Boston Globe published a copyrighted photo taken by one of its represented photographers. By Darren Heitner.  Forbes. https://bit.ly/2vf1qMG

The Chinese search engine giant was accused of misusing 76 images, which were exclusively licensed to Shanghai-based photo agency Dongfang IC. By Xu Zuwei & Liao Shumin.  Yicai Global. https://bit.ly/2mEsBN6

Houston photographer scores early victory, after forcing the University of Houston to defend itself against a lawsuit alleging it published his photos without permission. By L.M. Sixel.  Houston Chronicle. https://bit.ly/2t1lSjY

Montana portrait artist claims that the company violated his copyrights, after airing his storm cloud images in the Netflix original series “Stranger Things.” By Jack Alexander.  Fstoppers. https://bit.ly/2IgVTyA

A lawyer-turned-photographer takes on violators of his copyrighted iconic image of the Indianapolis skyline. By Mark Alesia.  IndyStar. https://indy.st/2I3zGnx

Band manager removes copyrighted information from a music photographer’s images, and shares the photos on social media, without permission or compensation. By Michael Zhang.  PetaPixel. https://bit.ly/2jbZe2Q

PopSugar is alleged to have infringed on millions of copyrights, after using popular bloggers’s photos to promote online products and services, without permission. By Lizzie Plaugic.  The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/19/17252196/popsugar-instagram-stolen-affiliate-links-photos-rewardstyle-shopstyle-response  

Jordan Outdoor Enterprises claims that West’s brand, Yeezy, copied Jordan’s Realtree camouflage collection, and used it to market apparel, without permission. By Ingrid Schmidt.  The Hollywood Reporter. www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kanye-wests-yeezy-accused-copying-camo-print-1095010  

Matt Furie, creator of “Pepe the Frog,” claims that the website used his artwork to sell a poster, without permission or compensation. By Jacqueline Thomsen.  The Hill. http://thehill.com/homenews/media/376965-pepe-the-frog-creator-sues-infowars-for-copyright-infringement

Embedded tweets containing copyrighted content, on external websites, may not automatically be granted “fair use” immunity, as explained in this article. By Adi Robertson. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/16/17020278/tweet-embed-copyright-infringement-justin-goldman-tom-brady-photo-ruling

Brad Hunter, photographer for former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, claims that The Daily Telegraph stole Hunter’s image from his Facebook page and cropped him out, for coverage of a news story. By Anna Henderson.  The Australian Broadcasting Corporation. www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-11/political-staffer-seeks-compensation-over-joyce-image/9420624    

Legendary rock ‘n’ roll photographer James Fortune’s registered image of a Led Zeppelin photo was used by the media outlet, without permission. World IP Review. https://www.worldipreview.com/news/fox-news-sued-over-led-zeppelin-photo-15337

Swiss painter Adrian Falkner alleges that GM used and focused on his mural in a Cadillac commercial, without permission. Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. www.swissinfo.ch/eng/doesn-t-ad-up_swiss-graffiti-artist-sues-gm-for-copyright-infringement/43869984

Splash News alleges that the celebrity posted the agency’s exclusive, copyrighted image of Simpson on Instagram, and removed Splash’s photo credit, without permission or compensation. By Paul Resnikoff.  Digital Music News. www.digitalmusicnews.com/2018/01/25/jessica-simpson-sued-copyright-self

A jury awarded the amount to Grumpy Cat Limited, after Grenade Beverage, LLC used the cat’s image on roasted coffee products, without permission. By Michael Zhang.  PetaPixel. https://petapixel.com/2018/01/25/grumpy-cat-wins-710000-copyright-infringement-lawsuit  

Professional artists create their work for a living, and should always be fairly compensated, as this article points out. By Michael Zhang.  PetaPixel. https://petapixel.com/2015/10/06/when-a-pulitzer-prize-winning-photographer-is-asked-for-free-photos

Karen Anvil’s image of the royal siblings, together with their significant others, smiling directly at the camera, offers a lesson as to why it’s so important to protect your copyrights. By Megan Fisher.  BBC News. www.bbc.com/news/uk-42480224

Jim Olive employs a unique legal strategy to compel the University of Houston to adequately compensate him for the use of his photo. By L.M. Sixel.  Houston Chronicle. https://www.chron.com/business/article/Photographer-tries-novel-legal-strategy-to-get-UH-12478745.php#photo-11609865

The bath and kitchen manufacturer claims that an unauthorized retailer marketed its copyrighted images without permission. By Arthur Thomas.  BizTimes Media. www.biztimes.com/2017/industries/law/kohler-suing-online-retailer-essential-hardware-for-copyright-infringement

In the first 6 months of 2017, the social media giant took down nearly 3 million posts, in response to intellectual property complaints. By Paresh Dave.  Reuters. www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-transparency/facebook-reveals-data-on-copyright-and-trademark-complaints-idUSKBN1EC2MZ

Photographer and creative artist Katie Thierjung, and two companies, allege that the fashion designer used their designs without permission. By Isaac Kaplan.  Artsy. www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-artist-sues-marc-jacobs-copyright-infringement

Bulgarian-born artist Gianfranco Gorgoni claims that the museum and an artist misappropriated Gorgoni’s copyrighted photos of an iconic California fence, in an exhibition. By Jonathan Stempel.  Reuters. www.reuters.com/article/us-art-smithsonian-christo/smithsonian-christo-stole-credit-from-top-photographer-lawsuit-says-idUSKBN1DL2E4

New York celebrity photographer Steve Sands asserts that Viacom infringed on his copyrighted photo on one of its websites. By Tim Kenneally.  The Wrap. www.thewrap.com/emily-ratajkowski-lingerie-photo-sparks-lawsuit-against-viacom

Media outlets that use photographers’ work without permission, to break a news story, are depriving hardworking professionals of their livelihoods, as explained in this article. By Ernesto Van Der Sar.  TorrentFreak. https://torrentfreak.com/pirating-mainstream-media-outlets-haunted-by-photographers-in-court-171028

Sara Pope dismisses case against the reality TV star and several producer co-defendants, for promoting Pope’s famed lips photo, without permission. By Nancy Dillon.  New York Daily News. www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/kylie-jenner-settles-suit-artist-claims-copied-work-article-1.3583108

Sarah Baley claims that the pharmaceutical company used her registered photos in marketing materials and online, without permission or compensation. Life Sciences Intellectual Property Review. www.lifesciencesipreview.com/news/allergan-sued-over-images-used-in-marketing-materials-2445

New York lensman Christopher Pasatieri claims that the rapper infringed on Pasatieri’s copyrighted photos, after posting them on 50 Cent’s Instagram page, and generating tens of thousands of “likes.” TMZ. www.tmz.com/2017/10/02/50-cent-sued-stealing-photos  

International street photographers raise awareness about commercial infringements on the collective group’s social media photos. By Elizabeth Paton.  The New York Times. www.nytimes.com/2017/09/24/fashion/milan-fashion-week-street-style-photographers.html

Peter Cepeda claims that the model posted his exclusive agency photo of Hadid to her Instagram account, gaining over 1.2M “likes,” without credit or compensation. By Lucy Yang.  Insider. www.thisisinsider.com/gigi-hadid-reportedly-sued-instagram-photo-2017-9

Here’s a great example of why it’s important to be prepared, before your photos and videos go viral. By Michael Sechler.  PetaPixel. https://petapixel.com/2017/09/13/shot-hurricane-irma-photo-went-viral-wasnt-paid-dime  

Al Pereira claims that Jenner’s company infringed on his copyrighted photos of Tupac and other rappers, by using them on T-shirts for sale online. TMZ. www.tmz.com/2017/09/12/kendall-jenner-sued-tupac-t-shirts-photographer

The estate for the late UK fashion photographer Brian Duffy claims that the Hard Rock infringed on Duffy’s iconic photo, used on the late famed UK singer-songwriter David Bowie’s album cover. TMZ. www.tmz.com/2017/08/30/david-bowie-photographer-sues-hard-rock-hotel-palm-springs

This article explains how easy it is for watermarks to be removed by computer algorithms.  Properly copyrighting your work is key! By Nick Statt.  The Verge. www.theverge.com/2017/8/18/16162108/google-research-algorithm-watermark-removal-photo-protection

Celebrity photographer Marcel Thomas alleges that ABC News and Yahoo! infringed on Thomas’s registered photos of businessman Sumner Redstone and his former girlfriend. World Intellectual Property Review. www.worldipreview.com/news/photographer-sues-broadcaster-over-image-of-five-billion-dollar-man-14489

The sculptor claims that a photo of his Las Vegas-based, famed replica of the Statute of Liberty was printed on nearly 4 billion stamps. By Isaac Kaplan.  Artsy. www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-usps-printed-wrong-statue-liberty-4-billion-stamps-artist-sued

Cincinnati-based Annette Navarro claims that the consumer goods giant infringed on her copyrights, after using her registered photos on product packaging, far beyond the scope of her license. By Michael Zhang.  PetaPixel. http://petapixel.com/2017/07/21/photographer-sues-proctor-gamble-copyright-75-million-case

This article explains why it’s vital to register your creative work with the U.S. Copyright Office.  The earlier, the better. By Allen Murabayashi.  PetaPixel. http://petapixel.com/2017/07/18/photographers-register-dmn-copyright

Enforcing one’s intellectual property is vital, especially in today’s rapidly expanding digital landscape. By Max Dubler.  PetaPixel. http://petapixel.com/2017/07/13/no-cant-use-photos-brands-instagram-free  

Michael Miller alleges that the Jenner sisters used his photos of the late Tupac Shakur to sell T-shirts, without permission. By Daniel Kreps.  Rolling Stone. www.rollingstone.com/music/news/photographer-sues-jenner-sisters-over-tupac-image-on-t-shirt-w491443

The estate of mid-1900s Chicago street artist Vivian Maier claims that it owns the rights to Maier’s photos, which were sold as prints by a Minneapolis gallery. By Maury Glover.  Fox Television Stations, LLC. www.fox9.com/news/265137125-story

The science publisher wins the maximum amount allowed by U.S. law, after websites shared 100 of Elsevier’s articles without permission. By Calvin Reid.  Publishers Weekly. www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/74058-elsevier-awarded-15m-in-lawsuit-against-pirate-sites.html

Florida muralist Derek Donnelly stands up for fellow street artists, whose work has been infringed on and sold for profit. By Christopher Spata.  Tampa Bay Times. www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/visualarts/he-tried-to-profit-from-st-petersburgs-murals-then-felt-the-artists-wrath/2327550

Danny Clinch alleges that Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters used his copyrighted photos of rapper Tupac Shakur to sell infringing merchandise. By Jayphen Simpson.  PetaPixel. http://petapixel.com/2017/06/07/photog-sues-forever-21-urban-outfitters-using-photos-tupac

New York photographer Peter Gould claims that the jewelry company infringed on his registered photo in a company website video. World Intellectual Property Review. www.worldipreview.com/news/tiffany-embroiled-in-another-copyright-claim-with-photographer-14152

Painters and other artists report seeing their work used on posters, T-shirts, coffee mugs, among other items, and sold for a profit, without their permission. By Kylie McGivern.  KXAN. http://kxan.com/2017/05/29/local-artists-seeing-red-after-finding-stolen-copies-of-work-online

Erika Peterman alleges that the RNC used her photo of musician and DNC Congressional candidate Rob Quist, in voter mailers, without permission. By Michael Zhang.  PetaPixel. https://petapixel.com/2017/05/20/photographer-sues-republican-national-committee-copyright-infringement

A plant company’s competitor infringed on 24 of the retailer’s photographs, using them 133 times, on the rival’s website and in marketing materials. By David Walker.  PDN Pulse. http://pdnpulse.pdnonline.com/2017/05/jury-awards-1-2-million-marketing-photo-copyright-case.html

The business entity, created to protect the late western icon’s intellectual property, claims that El Paso, Texas, boot company Lucchese has promoted and profited from John Wayne’s image and name, without permission. By Aaron Martinez.  El Paso Times. www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/local/el-paso/2017/05/08/lucchese-court-over-john-waynes-name-image/101451256

It’s critical to protect your copyrighted work, especially in this era of social media, as UK music photographer John McMurtrie explains it. PetaPixel. https://petapixel.com/2017/05/04/photographer-vs-internet

Freelance aerial photographer Eddie Mitchell claims that the media company embedded his tweeted photo in a news article, without permission. By DL Cade.  PetaPixel. https://petapixel.com/2017/05/01/uk-photographer-sues-sky-news-embedding-photo-tweet-article

UK-based photo agency Xposure Photos alleges that the reality TV star removed the agency’s watermark and posted the photo on Instagram, sharing it with her nearly 70M followers, without permission. By Eriq Gardner.  The Hollywood Reporter. www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/khloe-kardashian-sued-posting-a-photo-khloe-kardashian-instagram-997650

Illustrator Amy Sullivan’s registered artwork was infringed upon by global health products supplier Flora, in multiple advertising campaigns. By Steven Elbow.  The Capital Times. www.wiscnews.com/baraboonewsrepublic/news/local/article_0780f5a3-f287-5d64-a368-751c536175cb.html

Marie Claire and Estée Lauder-owned Bumble and bumble shared Pennsylvania photographer James Jollay’s image with nearly 1 million Instagram followers, without credit or compensation. By James Jollay.  PetaPixel. https://petapixel.com/2017/04/21/copyright-censorship-instagram-marie-claire-stole-photo

Action photographer Jeffrey R. Werner alleges that Barcroft Media, Ltd. and Valnet Inc. used his registered photos without permission. By Wadi Reformado.  Northern California Record. http://norcalrecord.com/stories/511102728-photographer-claims-barcroft-media-valnet-unlawfully-used-photos

NYC-based British photographer Mick Rock’s copyrighted photos of the late-guitarist Lou Reed were used on apparel sold by retailers Barneys, Enfants, and The RealReal. The Fashion Law. www.thefashionlaw.com/home/barneys-therealreal-enfants-riches-deprives-slapped-with-copyright-infringement-suit  

Thoroughbred racing lensmen contend with an increasingly competitive and expensive bid to protect their copyrighted photographs. By Sarah Radford.  Horse & Hound. www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/equestrian-photograph-copyright-theft-617064

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals finds that website moderators may have the ability to screen for copyrighted content, thus limiting site operators’ DMCA safe-harbor immunity from copyright claims. By Eriq Gardner.  The Hollywood Reporter. www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/appeals-court-rule-website-moderators-can-potentially-undercut-copyright-defense-992002

The news website infringed on Jana Romanova’s registered photo collection, for the second time, in recent months. By Holly Hughes.  PDN Pulse. http://pdnpulse.pdnonline.com/2017/03/photog-jana-romanova-sues-vice-copyright-infringement.html  

San Francisco-based freelancer Paige K. Parsons claims that singer Erykah Badu and her representatives, including Universal Music Group, used Parsons’s copyrighted photo without permission. By Rebecca Cooper.  Washington Business Journal. www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2017/03/28/photographer-sues-erykah-badu-in-d-c-court-over.html

Vanessa Boy claims that the apparel retailer used her Instagram photo on social media and advertisements, without credit or permission. The Fashion Law. www.thefashionlaw.com/home/forever-21-hit-with-copyright-infringement-suit-over-instagram-photo

Mavrix Photographs alleges that news site Black Celebrity Kids used several of Mavrix’s registered photos of Beyonce, without permission. By Jenie Mallari-Torres.  Northern California Record. http://norcalrecord.com/stories/511092046-mavrix-photographs-llc-alleges-website-used-celebrity-photos-without-license    

Rogelio Albert Pena claims that a Dallas collectibles store sold his photo of a famed baseball player fight, without permission. By Darren Rovell.  ESPN. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18909334/photographer-claims-memorabilia-store-selling-image-rougned-odor-jose-bautista-fight

Global photojournalist Jodi Hilton sues the business magazine for infringing on her copyrighted photo of a Harvard University lecturer. By World IP Review. www.worldipreview.com/news/forbes-targeted-in-harvard-photo-copyright-claim-13677

A French court ruled that American artist Jeff Koons misappropriated the late French photographer Jean-François Bauret’s iconic photograph, in Koons’s statue creation, and the exhibiting Pompidou Center was at fault for using an image of the statue in its marketing materials. By Amah-Rose Abrams.  Artnet News. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/jeff-koons-pompidou-lose-copyright-infringement-case-887324

UK-based photojournalist Alex Masi claims that the social news website infringed on his copyrighted photo, in a published story. World IP Review. www.worldipreview.com/news/photographer-takes-on-buzzfeed-in-copyright-suit-13630

The TV personality shared Don Mupasi’s images with her nearly five million Instagram followers, twice, without giving credit or asking for permission. By DL Cade.  PetaPixel. https://petapixel.com/2017/02/03/celebrity-uses-photos-without-credit-twice

Kayla Kraft claims that the beer company lifted her registered photo from her Facebook page and used it for a retail marketing campaign throughout North Carolina. World Intellectual Property Review. www.worldipreview.com/news/fake-moustache-sparks-copyright-lawsuit-against-ab-inbev-13596

New York photojournalist Dennis Clark sues Refinery29 for infringing on his copyrighted photo in an online article. The Fashion Law. www.thefashionlaw.com/home/refinery29-named-in-copyright-infringement-lawsuit  

Michael Grecco claims that the media outlet stole his registered photo of a breast pump and used it in an online article. By World Intellectual Property Review. www.worldipreview.com/news/time-inc-in-breast-pump-photo-copyright-row-13567

The real estate listings giant was sued for using thousands of VHT Studios’ photographs on Zillow’s website, to list properties, without permission. By E.B. Solomont.  The Real Deal. www.therealdeal.com/2017/02/15/zillow-ordered-to-pay-8-3m-in-copyright-infringement-case

Photojournalist Peter Gould claims that Tiffany used his exclusive photo of famed jewelry designer Elsa Peretti, and removed Gould’s photo credit, without permission, to sell Peretti’s jewelry on Tiffany’s website. By World Intellectual Property Review. www.worldipreview.com/news/photographer-sues-tiffany-for-copyright-infringement-13535

Local photographers claimed that the tourism company promoted their images on Instagram, for commercial purposes, without permission. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation. www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-03/social-media-photographers-dispute-use-of-photos-by-tourism-tas/8237672

R. Bradley Maule claims that the beer giant stole his unique photograph of the Philadelphia skyline, and used the photo in ads around the city, during Pope Francis’s 2015 visit. By Stephanie Farr.  The Philadelphia Inquirer. www.philly.com/philly/news/crime/Did-Budweiser-steal-artists-image-for-ads-during-Pope-visit.html

A Thai Air flight attendant shuts down her Instagram account, after facing backlash for stealing photographers’ images, inserting herself into them, and promoting her brand. By Michael Zhang.  PetaPixel. http://petapixel.com/2017/01/02/thai-air-hostess-instagram-star-busted-shopping-stolen-pics

Augusta, Georgia photographer faces the worst on social media, after calling out a popular Instagram influencer who used her photo without permission. By Michael Zhang.  PetaPixel. https://petapixel.com/2017/01/10/photographer-gets-cyberbullied-defending-photo-copyright

Alyson Lewis claims that her Queensland locality misused her photograph and denied her any attribution or compensation. By Helen Spelitis.  Warwick Daily News. www.warwickdailynews.com.au/news/they-mutilated-my-work-photographer/3123752

Photographer Henri Käck claims that the American heavy metal band lifted one of his photos and used it in the group’s latest music video, ‘Murder One.’ By Tom Williams.  Music Feeds. musicfeeds.com.au/news/metallica-accused-using-photographer-image-without-permission-murder-one-video

Freelance photojournalist Eddie Mitchell wins settlement from UK-based image house Alamy, after the company obtained Mr. Mitchell’s aerial drone photo of a British schoolhouse fire and credited it to another photographer, and then sold the photo to news outlets for far less than Mr. Mitchell’s standard licensing rate. By Freddy Mayhew.  Press Gazette. www.pressgazette.co.uk/photographer-wins-david-and-goliath-copyright-battle-against-giant-picture-agency-alamy

Georgia photographer Allison Rose sues technology firm MSI for using Ms. Rose’s photo in an advertising campaign, without permission. By Luke Plunkett.  Cosplay. http://cosplay.kotaku.com/pc-company-accused-of-stealing-cosplay-image-for-ad-1789453535

Photojournalist Jana Romanova sues the media outlet for publishing her registered copyrighted photo of a pregnant married couple, in an online article, without permission. By Holly Hughes.  Photo District News. pdnpulse.pdnonline.com/2016/11/photographer-sues-vice-unauthorized-use-expectant-couple.html

Freelance photojournalist Stephen Yang sues the broadcasting company for infringing on his registered copyrighted photo of the city’s biggest cat, an image Mr. Yang licensed to the New York Post. By TMZ. www.tmz.com/2016/11/04/samson-new-york-fat-cat-abc-lawsuit

Music photographer James Fortune sues the adult magazine for using his copyrighted photo of Beatles singer Paul McCartney, on Playboy’s website, without permission. By TMZ. www.tmz.com/2016/11/22/playboy-lawsuit-paul-mccartney-mullet-photo

New York City photographers Bruce Cotler and Theodore Parisienne fight copyright violations committed by Univision Communications Inc. and Emmis Communications Corp., respectively, on the companies’ websites. By Inside Radio. www.insideradio.com/copyright-suits-take-emmis-univision-to-task-and-court/article_b07730d4-9c6c-11e6-8902-0f6a559fb704.html 

Photographer Josh J. Withers sues the broadcasting giant for infringing on his copyrighted photo of a concert performed by heavy-metal band Metallica, in an online article published by a company-owned radio station. By Inside Radio. www.insideradio.com/free/cbs-radio-latest-group-caught-in-copyright-suit/article_e39b16a0-ab7c-11e6-ab2f-2f42514fd3a2.html

Jennifer Rondinelli Reilly is awarded statutory damages, to be paid by event ticketing platform CHARGED.fm, after the business lifted Reilly’s copyrighted concert photo and removed her watermark, and used the image on the company’s website. By Alexis Kramer.  Bloomberg BNA. www.bna.com/photographer-behind-copyright-b57982082383

The rights holder of the classic children’s book series files suit against a comic book website, for replicating and marketing original Dr. Seuss content for a comic strip, without authorization. By TMZ. www.tmz.com/2016/11/12/dr-seuss-oh-the-places-youll-go-lawsuit

Mexican artist Humberto Puentes-Segura, creator of restaurant logo for former AMC drama series ‘Breaking Bad,’ sues Sony for selling merchandise featuring Puentes-Segura’s copyrighted design, without authorization. By Ashley Cullins.  The Hollywood Reporter. www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/breaking-bad-los-pollos-hermanos-artist-sues-sony-942720

The end of the entertainment giant’s 10-year legal battle against peddlers of “The Wizard of Oz,” “Gone With the Wind,” and other classic film merchandise, affirms the company’s $2.6M court award for copyright infringement. By Eriq Gardner.  The Hollywood Reporter. www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/appeals-court-upholds-warner-bros-legal-victory-gone-wind-merchandise-943025

U.S. judge orders Cloudfare to release information about website operators believed to be committing piracy and copyright infringement. By Ernesto.  TorrentFreak. www.torrentfreak.com/court-orders-cloudflare-to-identify-pirate-site-operators-161028

Our law firm fights infringements on copyrighted photos, committed by two large media outlets, on behalf of two independent photojournalists. By Inside Radio. www.insideradio.com/free/new-copyright-photo-cases-suit-the-same-law-firm/article_97c5fce0-8ff7-11e6-82dd-5bc52d49e233.html

Peak Games goes to battle with the toy company giant for allegedly lifting original content from its popular game ‘Toy Blast’ and replicating it to create a ‘My Little Pony’ puzzle game app. By Dean Takahashi.  VentureBeat. www.venturebeat.com/2016/10/21/lawsuit-says-hasbro-lifted-design-for-my-little-pony-mobile-game-from-peak-games-toy-blast

Alex Evers alleges that the company refused to properly license and profited from his copyrighted sports photography. By Wadi Reformado.  Northern California Record. www.norcalrecord.com/stories/511031911-photographer-alleges-owner-of-baseball-card-business-infringed-on-copyright

Allen Beaulieu claims that his 3,000 exclusive, registered images of the late “Purple Rain” legend were stolen and exploited by an art studio owner. By Jennie Lissarrague and Beth McDonough.  KSTP-TV. www.kstp.com/news/photographer-allen-beaulieu-prince-photos-lawsuit/4299856

David Kittos, whose copyrighted photo of a bowl of Skittles was tweeted in a campaign ad by the Republican presidential candidate’s eldest son, sues the Trump campaign in Illinois federal court. By Carey Dunne.  Hyperallergic. www.hyperallergic.com/332201/photographer-sues-trump-for-copyright-infringement-over-skittles-image

Dash Snow’s family claims that the fast food giant copied Snow’s graffiti art, for decoration, in hundreds of its restaurants, without permission or attribution. By Enrico Bonadio.  CityMetric. http://www.citymetric.com/horizons/graffiti-vs-mcdonalds-why-its-time-protect-street-artists-original-tags-2520

Gary Miller, represented by Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC, files suit against Cumulus Media for using Miller’s image of Tupac Shakur, on a hip-hop station website, without permission. All Access Music Group. www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/158601/photographer-sues-cumulus-over-use-of-tupac-photo-

Teddy Blackburn, represented by Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC, sues Xenon Pictures for infringing on Blackburn’s photos of Mike Tyson’s infamous ear biting of Evander Holyfield in their 1997 boxing match. By TMZ. www.tmz.com/2016/10/06/mike-tyson-documentary-photog-sues?adid=TMZ_Search_Results

The theatrical hit claims that two companies are using the show’s now-famous silhouette logo to market and sell online merchandise, without permission. By TMZ. www.tmz.com/2016/10/07/hamilton-musical-logo-stolen-copyright-lawsuit

Lili Chin claims that the retail giant stole her copyrighted dog poster design and used it on apparel sold by the company. By Brian Boucher.  Artnet News. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/lili-chin-copyright-infringement-suit-kohls-687740

Adam George sues several real estate firms that used his copyrighted image of Venice, CA, to market properties, without his permission. By Wadi Reformado.  Northern California Record. http://norcalrecord.com/stories/511011134-photographer-alleges-real-estate-companies-used-copyrighted-photo

Matthew McDermott, represented by Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC, takes on the media giant for publishing McDermott’s copyrighted image of a bird, whose plumage resembles Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump’s hair, in nearly 80 outlets, without permission or compensation. By Nick Divito.  Courthouse News Service. www.courthousenews.com/2016/09/23/donald-the-pheasant-photog-sues-over-usage.htm

Kali Kanongataa, whose Facebook video of his son’s birth was recently viewed worldwide, claims in a suit filed by Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC that the media giants published the copyrighted video without Kanongataa’s permission. By Wendy Davis.  MediaPost. www.mediapost.com/publications/article/285375/abc-and-yahoo-sued-by-father-who-streamed-babys-b.html  

The Republican presidential candidate’s oldest son used British photographer David Kittos’ copyrighted image of a bowl of Skittles, in a Trump campaign tweet, without Kittos’ permission. By Jessica Roy and Colleen Shalby.  Los Angeles Times. www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/la-na-trailguide-updates-trump-jr-didn-t-have-legal-permission-1474391025-htmlstory.html

New York-based photojournalist Paul Martinka, represented by Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC, claims that Time, CNN, and C-SPAN infringed on Martinka’s photo of former Republican presidential candidate Ohio Gov. John Kasich, after broadcasting the photo without licensing permission. By Anandashankar Mazumdar.  Bloomberg BNA. www.bna.com/photographer-sues-kasich-n57982077104    

Photographers Neil Zlozower and Barry Levine, represented by Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC, allege that the 1980s band used the photographers’ exclusive photos of the group’s “Final Tour,” without permission, to sell merchandise online and at concerts. Blabbermouth.net. www.blabbermouth.net/news/motley-crue-sued-by-photographers-over-sale-of-merchandise-during-the-final-tour  

The viral feline brand alleges that LA-based Grenade Beverage breached the companies’ licensing agreement, and used Grumpy Cat’s image to sell roasted coffee, T-shirts, and other products, without authorization. By Chris O’Brien.  VentureBeat. http://venturebeat.com/2016/08/30/grumpy-cat-suing-coffee-maker-for-1-8-million-over-grumppuccinno-copyright-violations  

Gossip Cop was hit with a nearly $18,000 judgment, after a U.S. federal court ruled that the commercial entertainment site used two companies’ celebrity photos without permission. By Jack Greiner.  The Cincinnati Enquirer. www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2016/08/05/greiner-column-strictly-legal/88283040

A federal appeals court sustained the award for Philadelphia photographer Andrew Paul Leonard, after a dietary supplements company used Leonard’s stem cell photographs, without permission, 92 times. By David Walker.  Photo District News. www.pdnonline.com/news/legal/copyright/Appeals-Court-Upholds-1-6-Million-Infringement-Verdict-17241.shtml

Zuma, represented by Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC, sues Getty for illegally licensing and profiting from over 47,000 of Zuma’s sports photos. By Cyrus Farivar.  Ars Technica. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/08/getty-images-sued-again-over-alleged-misuse-of-over-47000-photos By Andrew Chung.  Reuters. www.reuters.com/article/idUSL1N1AK0BB

LA photojournalist Todd Bigelow, represented by Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC, sues Fox for using Bigelow’s Mexican border photo, in a news article, without permission. By Tobias Burns.  The Hollywood Reporter. www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/fox-news-sued-use-mexico-915435  

New Jersey wedding photographer Neil Clipper, represented by Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC, sues Reality Tea for using Clipper’s wedding photo of Teresa and Joe Giudice on Reality’s site without permission. TMZ. www.tmz.com/2016/07/27/teresa-joe-giudice-wedding-photographer-lawsuit

New York-based photographer Glen Craig, represented by Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC, sues American blues legend B.B. King’s estate and Universal Music Group for infringing on Craig’s exclusive photographs of King. By the Associated Press.  Billboard. www.billboard.com/articles/news/7431254/bb-king-estate-universal-music-sued-by-photographer

Photographer J.C. Rice, represented by Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC, claims that Cox used his photo of a formerly missing Columbia University student, without permission or credit, on the radio station giant’s websites. By Adam Goldstein.  The SPLC. www.splc.org/blog/splc/2016/06/rice-v-cmg-copyright-lawsuit

London-based photographer Alex Masi, represented by Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC, claims that the company willfully infringed on his photo, in a Yahoo news article. By Alexis Kramer.  Bloomberg BNA. www.bna.com/photojournalist-goes-yahoo-b57982076169

Texas Star-Telegram Staff Photographer Richard W. Rodriguez airs his and the newspaper’s frustrations about infringements on Rodriguez’s now-viral iconic photo of Toronto Blue Jay Jose Bautista’s punch to the face by Texas Ranger Rougned Odor. By Andrew Greenstein.  CBS Local Media. http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2016/06/20/iconic-photo-source-of-pride-frustration-for-photographer    

The photo agency claims that an Ohio man devised a scheme that allowed him to steal and resell thousands of Getty’s high-resolution images through a Facebook group. By DL Cade.  PetaPixel. http://petapixel.com/2016/06/14/getty-sues-man-allegedly-sold-thousands-stolen-photos-facebook

Donald Trump’s presidential campaign settles copyright suit brought by two photographers who claimed that the campaign used their iconic “Bald Eagle Portrait” photograph on campaign merchandise without permission. By Victoria Bekiempis.  New York Daily News. www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/trump-settles-lawsuit-bald-eagle-photos-article-1.2656946

Music photographer Dennis Morris sues appropriation artist Richard Prince for using Morris’s copyrighted photos of Sex Pistols bass guitarist Sid Vicious, without Morris’s consent. By Vida Weisblum.  Observer. http://observer.com/2016/06/prince-gagosian-sued-for-appropriating-famed-sid-vicious-photo

Dutch celebrity photographer Dana Lixenberg sues the music-streaming giant for using her photo of the late “Notorious B.I.G.” without permission on the artist’s Spotify page. By Eriq Gardner.  The Hollywood Reporter. www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/spotify-sued-notorious-big-image-899527

New York freelance celebrity photographer Steve Sands, represented by Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC, sues Dan Abrams’s celebrity news site The Mary Sue for infringing on his exclusive photos of the Netflix original TV series “Jessica Jones.” By Keith J. Kelly.  New York Post. http://nypost.com/2016/05/31/abcs-dan-abrams-being-sued-by-photographer-for-150k

Pennsylvania photographer Michael A. Keller sues the textbook publishing giant, for allegedly breaching their licensing agreement and infringing on Keller’s copyrighted photographs. By Jamie Keller.  Pennsylvania Record. http://pennrecord.com/stories/510735492-licensing-restrictions-and-usage-rights-at-the-heart-of-houghton-mifflin-copyright-case

Pennsylvania photographer Michael A. Keller sues the textbook publishing giant for allegedly breaching a licensing agreement, and therefore infringing on Keller’s copyrighted photographs. By Gene Johnson.  Penn Record. http://pennrecord.com/stories/510724522-textbook-company-accused-of-copyright-infringement

Ottawa photographer Paul Couvrette wins copyright suit against the parent company of Boom 99.7 radio station, Corus Entertainment, for infringing on Couvrette’s watermarked real estate photograph. By Haley Ritchie.  Metro News. http://m.metronews.ca/#/article/news/ottawa/2016/05/11/ottawa-photographer-copyright-case-with-radio-station.html

New York photographer Brian R. Wolff claims that Newsweek infringed on exclusive photos Wolff took at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, by featuring Wolff’s photos on the publication’s website in July 2014, without permission, and refusing to take them down. By Annie Hunt.  The Pennsylvania Record. http://pennrecord.com/stories/510712483-photographer-sues-newsweek-for-alleged-copyright-infringement

Publicist Wendy Wheaton and cameraman Tommy Phipps Sr. sue PBS and World of Surrogacy LLC for $2.55M in damages, after the surrogacy firm’s owner Crystal Travis allegedly used Wheaton and Phipps’s copyrighted surrogacy footage and photographs, as if they belonged to her, in a PBS documentary entitled “To the Contrary.” By Dru Sefton.  Current. http://current.org/2016/04/lawsuit-alleges-copyright-infringement-in-to-the-contrary-segment  

Photographer Bobby Miller claims that the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation is not exhibiting self-portraits of the late photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, but instead infringing on exclusive photos that Miller took of Mapplethorpe in his Manhattan loft, in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Associated Press.  The New York Daily News. www.nydailynews.com/new-york/mapplethorpe-foundation-sued-65m-drag-photography-article-1.2593275

New York photographer Eric Johnson sues company Rocksmith Group, LLC for exploiting his photo of the late singer Aaliyah on T-shirts and other apparel, depriving Johnson of referral revenue and clothing profits, especially from the photographer’s own Aaliyah T-shirt line. By Tim Kenneally.  The Wrap. www.thewrap.com/aaliyah-clothing-line-fuels-copyright-infringement-lawsuit  

Wisconsin photographer Jennifer R. Reilly claims that Instagram infringed on her registered copyright of an image of a pair of red lips and a microphone, and repeatedly ignored her takedown requests. By Gil Kaufman.  Billboard. www.billboard.com/articles/news/7317941/instagram-sued-photographer-copyright-claims-microphone

Two co-owners of a wildlife photography business assert that Republican presidential candidate Donald J. Trump’s campaign infringed on the duo’s “iconic” 1980 photo of a flying bald eagle, by using the image in its campaign materials and on yard signs for sale, on the campaign’s website. By Lia Eustachewich.  New York Post. http://nypost.com/2016/03/24/trump-now-has-wildlife-photograhers-mad-at-him-too

Led Zeppelin is sued by band Spirit for allegedly infringing on the 1968 song “Taurus,” in Zeppelin’s 1971 song “Stairway to Heaven.” By Cal Jeffrey.  Inquisitr. www.inquisitr.com/2862230/led-zeppelin-embroiled-in-copyright-infringement-lawsuit

A  New York federal judge rules that the “Mean Girls” star’s copyright suit can proceed, after Take-Two Interactive failed to overcome claims that the software company used Lohan’s image and personality in its popular video game. By Barbara Ross.  The New York Daily News. nydailynews.com/entertainment/lohan-sue-grand-theft-auto-makers-game-character-article-1.2564304  

Jukin Media wins copyright suit against Equals Three Studios, after a jury finds Equals Three guilty of using Jukin’s properly licensed, user-generated viral videos, for commercial purposes, without permission. By Todd Spangler.  Variety. http://variety.com/2016/digital/news/jukin-media-equals-three-lawsuit-settlement-1201722778

Software company Synopsys is awarded $30M in damages, after jury finds rival firm ATopTech guilty of infringing on Synopsys’s copyrighted circuit software. By Ross Todd.  The Recorder. www.therecorder.com/id=1202751933488/Synopsys-Wins-30-Million-Jury-Verdict-in-Copyright-Trial

Freelance photographer Paul Adao, represented by Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC, sues ABC for broadcasting his 2013 video interview with former New York Congressman Anthony Weiner, which was licensed to the New York Post, and aired on ABC World News without permission. By Ashley Cullins.  The Hollywood Reporter. www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/abc-hit-copyright-suit-paparazzos-873289

Novelist Timothy J. Levi sues Fox, ‘Empire’ creator Lee Daniels, and other show producers for $1.5 billion in damages; the defendants allegedly infringed on Levi’s rights to the show’s concept, after Levi shared his 2007 manuscript with an attorney, whom supposedly copied and shared it with “Empire’ producers before the show premiered in 2015. By […]

The visual artist and Gagosian Gallery, and its owner Larry Gagosian, are sued by LA photographer Donald Graham, for infringing on Graham’s federally registered image, lifted from the photographer’s Instagram account and displayed at an NYC art exhibition. By The Fashion Law. www.thefashionlaw.com/home/richard-prince-fights-latest-copyright-infringement-lawsuit  

The hip-hop mogul’s company faces $5M copyright suit by band who claims that Tidal’s self-proclaimed ‘pro-artist’ service actually doesn’t pay royalties and intentionally miscalculates royalty rates. By Kia Kokalitcheva. Fortune. http://fortune.com/2016/02/29/tidal-copyright-lawsuit      

Startup firm Just3DPrint searches 3D-model design site Thingiverse, and creates and posts 3D items for sale on eBay, in direct violation of the 3D designers’ noncommercial-use stipulations. By John Biggs.  TechCrunch. http://techcrunch.com/2016/02/23/3d-printing-company-scrapes-thingiverse-and-begins-selling-free-designs

The studios allege that the crowdfunded movie ‘Anaxar’ infringes on many copyrighted features of the ‘Star Trek’ franchise, while the film’s attorneys contend that the movie actually helps the ‘Star Trek’ brand. By Blanche Johnson.  Fox News. www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2016/02/25/star-trek-fan-films-lawyer-studios-are-only-hurting-fans-themselves-with-legal    

The 2 mega-hit crooners are accused of infringing on a music publisher’s rights to the 1969 disco-hit song “A New Day is Here At Last,” in the duo’s similar-sounding pop song “Damn Girl,” featured in Timberlake’s 2006 album “Futuresex/Lovesounds.” By Naja Rayne.  People. www.people.com/article/justin-timberlake-will-i-am-sued-for-copyright-infringement

A settlement was reached after the media giant infringed on a New Jersey publisher’s rights to an iconic 9/11 photo of 3 firefighters raising the American flag at the World Trade Center site. By Reuters.  Raw Story. www.rawstory.com/2016/02/fox-news-and-new-jersey-publisher-settle-copyright-dispute-over-iconic-911-photo/  

Music publisher Warner/Chappell Music agrees to terminate its copyright to the world’s most popular song, for a lawsuit settlement of $14M, putting “Happy Birthday to You” into the public domain for all to use freely, subject to approval by a Los Angeles federal court. By Eriq Gardner. The Hollywood Reporter. www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/warner-music-pays-14-million-863120  

Rival author accuses the “Shadowhunters” novel creator of lifting her original work, resulting in the book’s successful series and TV and film adaptations. By Isabella Biedenharn. Entertainment Weekly. www.ew.com/article/2016/02/10/cassandra-clare-shadowhunters-lawsuit

The newspaper sues independent publisher PowerHouse Books, and its CEO, for using 64 mini-images of the Times’s front cover, in the publisher’s book, “War is Beautiful.” By Jillian Steinhauer. Hyperallergic. http://hyperallergic.com/273061/new-york-times-sues-powerhouse-books-for-copyright-infringement/

Texas jury finds that Apple’s FaceTime technology infringed on a security software company’s patents, in a $625M verdict for VirnetX. By Mark Curriden. The Dallas Morning News. www.dallasnews.com/business/business-headlines/20160203-east-texas-jury-nails-apple-with-625-million-patent-infringement-verdict.ece

Tattoo-design company sues software company for $1.1M for reproducing copyrighted tattoos on athletes in the video game NBA 2K16. By Eriq Gardner. The Hollywood Reporter. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/nba-2k-videogame-maker-sued-861131

The treaty equips intellectual property holders, in member countries, with new tools to protect and enforce their digital ownership rights. By Peter Sayer. IDG News Service. www.pcworld.com/article/3001928/consumer-advice/tpp-revealed-what-the-trade-deal-means-for-online-copyright.html

In the U.S. copyright case against Dotcom, founder of the now-defunct file-sharing site Megaupload, the web mogul asserts that the extradition treaty was not meant for intellectual property disputes and that both countries’ judicial systems do not deem copyright infringement to be fraud. By Corrine Reichert. ZDNet. www.zdnet.com/article/dotcom-extradition-treaty-not-for-copyright-infringement

Musician Jessie Braham sues Swift over her 2014 chorus lyrics “Haters Gone Hate,” as Braham claims to have used the same lyrics in his 2013 copyrighted song of the same name. By Chris Isidore and Samuel Burke. CNN Money. http://money.cnn.com/2015/11/02/news/companies/taylor-swift-sued

The hip-hop mogul and his and producer Timbaland’s attorneys claim that the pair had the rights to use an Egyptian composer’s melody for the rapper’s 1999 hit song “Big Pimpin’.” By Daina Beth Solomon. Reuters. www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/14/us-music-jayz-lawsuit-idUSKCN0S808820151014

Twitter responded to the NFL’s complaint and disabled the Twitter accounts of SB Nation and Deadspin, after the companies posted NFL-copyrighted videos. By The Associated Press. ESPN. http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13876393/twitter-suspends-accounts-nfl-copyright-complaints

The company used a photo the girl posted of herself on Instagram, wearing a Lorna Jane shirt, on its website, and now the teen is considering legal action for copyright breach. By Mary Ward. The Sydney Morning Herald. www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/brisbane-teen-considers-legal-action-after-lorna-jane-stole-her-instagram-photo-20151008-gk429m.html

The hip-hop star claims that the plaintiff won’t be appearing in court on that date, due to a medical condition, and thus would be relying on outdated testimony from an old deposition. By Eriq Gardner. The Hollywood Reporter. www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/jay-z-seeks-delay-copyright-829414

The Facebook user copyright hoax has returned and gone viral with 2 different bogus notices. By Jeff John Roberts. Fortune. http://fortune.com/2015/09/29/facebook-copyright

The organization claims that Naruto, a macaque monkey who took a selfie that quickly went viral, owns the rights to the photo, not the photographer whose camera was used. The courts will now take up the issue of what it means to be the “author” of a copyrighted work. By Christopher Buccafusco. MSNBC.  www.msnbc.com/msnbc/can-monkey-copyright-selfie

If deported, the German tech businessman may have to answer to a litany of charges brought by the U.S. Justice Department, including copyright infringement, money laundering, and racketeering, over his now-defunct file-sharing site, Megaupload. By Reuters and VICE News. https://news.vice.com/article/internet-mogul-kim-dotcoms-extradition-trial-begins-over-megaupload-copyright-case

Shoe designer Maryam Nassir Zadeh accuses designer Mansur Gavriel of copying Nassir Zadeh’s signature footwear style. By Scarlett Conlon. Vogue. www.vogue.co.uk/news/2015/09/17/mansur-gavriel-maryam-nassir-zadeh-shoe-copyright

The action figure creator presented the idea to the company in 1963 and was offered an upfront purchase price for the concept, as well as a sales royalty, which he claims Hasbro reneged on. By Nancy Dillon and Dareh Gregorian. New York Daily News. www.nydailynews.com/news/national/g-joe-creator-copywright-dolls-hasbro-article-1.2362785

Rime alleges that Scott and Moschino copied his Detroit-commissioned mural design to create the brand’s fall/winter 2015 collection. By Kelsey Drain. FashionTimes. www.fashiontimes.com/articles/23323/20150915/jeremy-scott-served-copyright-lawsuit-los-angeles-premiere-peoples-designer.htm

The adultery site may soon find itself accused of copyright abuse, as its takedown notices issued to social media and news sites, after the company’s massive hack, seem to be more about saving face than saving protected content. By Jeff John Roberts. Fortune. http://fortune.com/2015/08/26/ashley-madison-dmca

A man invents a chicken sandwich for Church’s Chicken in the late 1980s, but when he tried to sue the company in 2014 for his share of his creation’s profits, a U.S. Appeals Court ruled that specific food items are not copyrightable. By Roberto A. Ferdman. The Washington Post. www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonkblog/wp/2015/08/26/a-man-in-puerto-rico-tried-to-copyright-a-basic-chicken-sandwich

Appeals Court sides with Varsity Brands, Inc., in its copyright suit against competitor Star Athletica, LLC, after Varsity accused Star of infringing on its cheerleader uniform designs. By Reuters. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/u-s-court-says-y-e-s-cheerleader-uniform-design-n412676

Ostrovsky faces a mountain of evidence that he stole jokes from other comedians, resulting in potential legal action for copyright infringement. By Oliver Herzfeld. Forbes. www.forbes.com/sites/oliverherzfeld/2015/08/24/the-fat-jew-plagiarism-and-copyright-law

Ashley Madison sends cease and desist letters to social media and other sites, to prevent widespread publication of users’ contact information, after the site’s database of 37 million users was recently hacked. By Alex Hern. The Guardian. www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/aug/20/ashley-madison-using-copyright-law-to-try-to-limit-attack-leak

Police in Denmark arrest 2 owners of websites that offer information concerning the use of year-old video-streaming site Popcorn Time, which increasingly is being viewed as a haven for copyright and piracy violators. By Andy. TorrentFreak. https://torrentfreak.com/police-arrest-men-for-spreading-popcorn-time-information-150819

The hip-hop megastars will make their case that they did not use an Egyptian composer’s song illegally in their 1999 hit song, in a California courtroom this October. The Guardian. www.theguardian.com/music/2015/aug/17/jay-z-and-timbaland-set-to-testify-in-big-pimpin-lawsuit  

Rights to trademarked images, including Jimi Hendrix’s face, have split the Hendrix family apart, leading to a 6-year copyright battle, that just ended in a settlement. By Mikey Blanco. Food World News. www.foodworldnews.com/articles/32481/20150817/jimi-hendrix-family-settles-legal-copyright-battle.htm  

The hip-hop mogul is sued by an Egyptian composer’s heir for using a flute selection, similar to one featured in a 1957 Egyptian movie, in the 1999 hit song “Big Pimpin’.” By Khaleda Rahman. Daily Mail. www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3198406/Jay-Z-sued-Egyptian-composer-s-heir-copyright-claims-flute-sample-1999-hip-hop-classic-Big-Pimpin.html

Many familiar songs, from across the decades, were actually copyright infringements. By Ryan Book. Music Times. www.musictimes.com/articles/45324/20150812/5-songs-didnt-know-violated-copyright-johnny-cash-radiohead-more.htm

Songwriter/producer Dr. Luke is sued by New Old Music Group for his use of “breakbeat,” a percussive element, in the Jessie J pop hit “Price Tag,” after it is alleged that it was taken from the group president’s 1975 song “Zimba Ku.” By Ali Szubiak. PopCrush. http://popcrush.com/dr-luke-jessie-j-copyright-infringement

Periscope aims to be a transparent and copyright-compliant player in the world of live-streaming. By Harrison Weber. VentureBeat. http://venturebeat.com/2015/08/11/periscope-has-received-1391-copyright-takedown-requests-so-far-twitter-complied-with-71-of-them

Award-winning photographer sues Twitter for continuing to host her copyrighted image, after failing to respond to a DMCA takedown notice. By Matt Kamen. Wired UK. www.wired.co.uk/…/2015…/29/twitter-sued-over-photo-copyright

R&B artist Miguel gives songwriting credit to Smashing Pumpkins artist Billy Corgan, avoiding copyright battle over similar-sounding songs, in Miguel’s new album “Wildheart.” By Ryan Reed. Rolling Stone. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/miguel-gives-billy-corgan-writing-credit-over-1979-similarity-20150715    

Oracle seeks to add the Android operating system’s market dominance to its copyright suit against Google. By Reuters. Business Insider.

U.S. federal court rules that live-streaming service FilmOn can act as a cable provider and stream local broadcasting, as long as it pays copyright royalties to the networks. By Eriq Gardner. The Hollywood Reporter.