Citing likelihood of AP victory, NY judge urges settlement of copyright case over ‘HOPE’ image
By APFriday, May 28, 2010
NY judge urges settlement in Obama poster dispute
NEW YORK — A judge has urged that a copyright dispute between an artist and The Associated Press over the Barack Obama “HOPE” image be settled quickly.
Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein said Friday at a hearing in New York that he has a feeling that “whether it’s sooner or later, The Associated Press is going to win” the case.
He suggested that artist Shepard Fairey and the news organization move on to settlement talks and consider dropping penalties. Neither side seemed ready to do so.
AP lawyer Dale Cendali says the news organization wants to make it clear that the AP owns the copyright to the photograph that Fairey used to create the “HOPE” poster and that he violated the copyright.
Fairey lawyers did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
