A Photographer Is Suing Supermodel Gigi Hadid for Copyright Infringement.
Again.
This time, the photograph in question is her ex-boyfriend Zayn Malik.
E!News said that Hadid has not commented about this most recent complaint against her. But, she is no stranger to challenging the notion that the paparazzi have complete control over photographs of celebrities. This complaint marks the third time she is being sued for using a photograph on her social media that is alleged to violate the copyright of the photographer. The other two lawsuits involved posting pictures of herself on twitter or Instagram.
The Most Recent Infringement Lawsuit
In a September 13 report, E!News said that it obtained court documents showing that Robert O’Neil, professional photographer, filed a lawsuit against Hadid in the Southern District of New York. In the lawsuit, O’Neil claims that Hadid used his copyrighted photograph of Malik in her Instagram story.
The complaint states, “This action arises out of Defendant’s unauthorized reproduction and public display of a copyrighted photograph of English singer and songwriter Zayn Malik, owned and registered by O’Neil, a New York-based professional photographer.”
Suit Alleges Hadid Violated Photographer’s Copyright
When copyright attaches to a photograph, the photographer has control over how, where, and when it gets used or displayed. The photographer may grant a license for its use, with or without compensation. The purpose of copyright is to see that photographers get paid for their work and that others can’t profit from using it without permission or some agreement between the parties.
As O’Neil’s documents state, “Gigi Hadid is not, and has never been, licensed or otherwise authorized to reproduce, publicly display, distribute and/or use the Photograph.”
Photographer Asks Court for Maximum Statutory Damages
The fashionlaw.com reported that in this copyright infringement case, O’Neil asks the court award statutory damages of $150,000 per infringement. The damages requested are for violating his “exclusive right to display the image, and distribute copies of it to the public by sale or another form of transfer, such as licensing, among other things.”
If Someone Violates Your Copyright, Contact Our Attorneys Today
If you are a photographer and a celebrity posts without permission, pictures you took, call the Sanders Law Group today for a free case evaluation. Our experienced copyright lawyers represent photographers across the globe and can help you protect your legal rights. Call today at 516-233-1660.
