Thierry Guetta, aka Mr. Brainwash sued for copyright infringement over Run DMC image - 1 views
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Rory Fewer on 26 Jan 11Does Guetta have the right to artistic expression, even if it means distorting an iconic image he does not have rights over?
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Malika T on 31 Jan 11"Guetta used the photo specifically for this reason, it was already iconic, very well known and he used it in his artwork because of that. He wasn't just referencing Run DMC, he was referencing the most famous photo of them." This is really interesting. Does this rationale mean that he isn't committing copyright infringement? A friend of mine at RISD is toying with using frames from the (iconic) opening scenes of Woody Allen's "Manhattan" for a school printmaking project, does she need to pay Woody or the city of New York royalties even if she credits her (famous) original source? Does a deal need to be struck when such a famous work is reproduced or reinterpreted. Can't anyone parody or pay homage without asking for permission first?