Suit claims artist's distinctive style was copied in Apple marketing campaign
The images on the left are by Romero Britto, and the images on the right were produced by Craig Redman and Karl Maier. Images taken from the suit (PDF).
Artist Romero Britto claims in a lawsuit that Apple and the graphic designers copied his pop art style for its “Start Something New” ad campaign.
The suit (PDF), filed April 6 in Miami federal court, says the art used in the campaign was so similar to his that he received messages congratulating him for what appeared to be a business deal with Apple, the Associated Press reports. The Miami Herald, the Daily Business Review and Ars Technica also have stories.
The suit alleges trade dress infringement and dilution, unfair competition, deceptive and unfair trade practices and copyright infringement.
Also according to the suit, graphic artists Craig Redman and Karl Maier, operating as Craig & Karl, have used “copycat images” of Britto’s work in licensing deals with Apple and other companies. “The more their images resembled Romero Britto’s, the more successful they became in their business endeavors,” the suit states.
The suit includes photos of Britto’s artwork next to copies of Craig & Karl’s artwork, including multicolored hands displaying a peace sign and colorful Mickey Mouse portraits.
Craig & Karl spokesman Stevie King told AP the suit is “entirely without merit.” Apple officials did not comment when contacted by the wire service.
