When denying authenticity becomes defamatory
"Rick Norsigian, of PRS Media Partners, thought he made a lucky find at a garage sale in California. For $45, Norsigian bought a number of glass plates which he now believes to be lost negatives of Ansel Adams. PRS began selling prints of the images, crediting Ansel Adams as the photographer. According to the NY Times, these prints have been selling for $1,500 and $7,500.
Unfortunately, Norsigian's lucky find has brought more legal headache than financial gain. This fall, a lawsuit was filed against him and PRS in the California Northern District Court.
When Adams died in 1984, and all of his intellectual property rights became vested in the Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust. The Trust has denied that Norsigian's garage-sale finds are authentic Adams, and has sued Norsigian and PRS for trademark infringement and violation of right of publicity.
Dear Visitor,
We share your curiosity for art law. Thank you for reading our complimentary articles for the month. To read more free articles, please register for a free account. For even more access and perks, consider becoming a premium member!Already a premium member? Sign in
Or, become a premium member for unlimited access