Los Angeles-based artist and illustrator Dereck Seltzer, has retained counsel and filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against punk rock band Green Day. Seltzer alleges the band used his original artwork as the graphic image for their stage setting during their world concert tour for American Idiot.
His suit also charges violation of the Lanham Trademark Act (trademark infringement), unfair competition and injury to business reputation for misappropriation of Seltzer's original artwork titled Scream Icon (shown here). According to his representatives, Seltzer is seeking damages of $30,000-$150,000 per infringement of the copyright.
In a prepared statement Seltzer said, "Green Day chose my original artwork as the backdrop for all of their promotional materials and concert performances with absolutely no consideration for Scream Icon's copyright. They added the cross, but my artwork was clearly and deliberately used. Even after I complained, they continued to use it, offering me concert tickets in settlement."
The complaint charges Green Day with deliberately using the artwork without authorization. Seltzer’s lawyer, Todd Bonder, claims several attempts were made to settle the case, but his client “has been left with no choice but to pursue this issue in court through trial."
Don Passman, attorney for Green Day, tells TMZ the band received the image from a reputable business, “and was unaware that there could be any copyright or other issues."
Comments
Watch out! Seltzer is probably going to try to sue you for linking to the image on his site without permission!
Henry - you are a MORON>
1of3 - YOU are the moron here, can't ya take a joke?! :P
1of3- yeah u can suk it
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