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AP Wants Cred for 'Hope' Photo

Company demands credit and compensation for unauthorized alteration of AP photo

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 5, 2009 3:06 AM CST

(Newser) – The Associated Press hold the copyright on the photograph used to create the iconic "Hope" portrait of Barack Obama and is demanding compensation and credit, reports Wired. Artist Shepard Fairey, who has rocketed to fame because of his multi-colored poster, is defending his unauthorized modification of the photo taken in 2006 by AP photographer Manny Garcia. Fairey found the image in a Google search and says its fair use is protected by law.

Los Angeles street artist Shepard Fairey poses for a picture with his Barack Obama 'Hope' artwork.
Los Angeles street artist Shepard Fairey poses for a picture with his Barack Obama 'Hope' artwork.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
A poster of President Barack Obama by artist Shepard Fairey is shown side by side with a photograph of Barack Obama by Associated  Press photographer Manny Garcia.
A poster of President Barack Obama by artist Shepard Fairey is shown side by side with a photograph of Barack Obama by Associated Press photographer Manny Garcia.   (AP Photo/Mannie Garcia/ Shepard Fairey)
Los Angeles street artist Shepard Fairey poses for a picture with his Barack Obama Hope artwork.
Los Angeles street artist Shepard Fairey poses for a picture with his Barack Obama Hope artwork.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
Shannonals
Feb 6, 2009 12:14 AM CST
AP might be right, all their photos are copyrighted, and if he had had their permission, this wouldn't have been an issue
Guest
Feb 5, 2009 5:12 AM CST
When I saw the photo and the painting, never did I think the two were similar. Only the pose is similar and that comes from anywhere. I suppose a jury might be needed to determine originality of Fairey's painting.
Guest
Feb 5, 2009 3:20 AM CST
Shit AP, give us some room to breathe. I think that the internet demands new copyright laws.

More Newser Stories

Poster Artist Sues AP in Copyright Fight

'Hope' Artist No Longer an Obama Fan

Fading Hope T-Shirt Blasts Obama

Fairey Admits Lying Over 'Hope' Photo

Fairey Pimps Out Famed Image


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