Artist Sues New Orleans Pelicans Over Copyright Infringement

News Summary

Artist Tyrrell Winston has filed a lawsuit against the New Orleans Pelicans for alleged copyright infringement, claiming the NBA team used his artistic style without permission. The lawsuit highlights the blend of art and sports marketing, as Winston argues the team’s social media posts closely resemble his registered works. Despite sending a cease-and-desist letter, the Pelicans did not respond. Winston seeks compensation for damages, and the case is attracting attention for its implications on copyright laws concerning artistic works in commercial contexts.

Detroit – Artist Tyrrell Winston has initiated a lawsuit against the New Orleans Pelicans, claiming the NBA team violated his copyright by using his artistic style without permission. The lawsuit, filed on July 30 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, has drawn attention to the intersection of art and sports marketing.

The legal action was taken by Jayaram Law PLLC, representing Winston, who is recognized for his distinctive sculptures created from deflated basketballs. The Pelicans stand accused of using an image on social media that features players in front of a grid of deflated basketballs, which Winston argues closely resembles his own registered artworks known as “Manhattanhenge” and “R.O.I.”

According to Winston’s claims, the specific Instagram posts from September and October 2024 reflect his artistic composition and style. He asserts that the Pelicans’ use of his work constitutes unauthorized reproduction, distribution, and public display, which he believes has harmed both his artistic reputation and the marketability of his creations. Winston also revealed that he sent the Pelicans a cease-and-desist letter in October 2024 regarding this issue, but he alleges that the team did not respond.

The Pelicans have limited ties to Michigan, as they only compete against the Detroit Pistons once a season and have no substantial operations in the state. However, the case is generating interest not only for its implications in sports marketing but also for how copyright laws can apply to artistic works in commercial use.

Winston is an established artist whose works have been exhibited in notable galleries and museums worldwide, including cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Paris, and Tokyo. His artistic contributions in the field have attracted recognition from high-profile individuals, including former NBA star Tony Parker, who is noted as a fan and art advisor of Winston’s work. Additionally, Winston has created large-scale sculptures for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and his art pieces are featured in various NBA venues.

In his lawsuit, he is seeking a jury trial along with monetary compensation for damages, claiming the Pelicans’ actions have significantly impacted the value of his art and his reputation as an artist. The Pelicans are expected to respond to the allegations and may potentially argue their actions fall under fair use or contend there has been copyright misuse.

The case will be overseen by U.S. District Judge Linda V. Parker, a factor that may influence the proceedings, given her previous rulings. Social media reactions have also surfaced, with users commenting on the Pelicans’ posts and accusing the team of appropriating Winston’s concept without proper credit or compensation.

It is also worth noting that Winston’s artworks are protected under copyright laws, as they have been officially registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. This legal battle underscores a growing trend of copyright infringement lawsuits in the Detroit area, where several artists have raised similar complaints regarding unauthorized use of their creative works.

As the situation unfolds, the art and sports communities alike are closely watching the outcome of this case, which may set a precedent for future disputes at the intersection of creativity and commercial interests.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Detroit News: Michigan Artist Claims New Orleans Pelicans Copied His Work
• Google Search: New Orleans Pelicans artist lawsuit
• Sportico: Pelicans Deflated Basketballs Art Copyright Lawsuit
• Wikipedia: Copyright Law in the United States
• NOLA: Pelicans Lawsuit Over Artist’s Work
• Google News: Tyrell Winston New Orleans Pelicans