News Summary

• I was building subliminal things in.” Sedlik first filed his lawsuit three years ago, alleging Von D illegally reproduced his copyrighted photo and used it to promote her brand through social media posts on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube that garnered more than 100,000 likes across the platforms..
• He pointed to “differences in the position and shape of shadows, difference in the use of light, difference in the hairstyle, differences in the shape and rendering of the eyes.” He said Von D’s tattoo had no jacket and no black background..
• The lawsuit includes links to various social media posts showing Von D working on the tattoo on her friend Blake Farmer’s arm nearly seven years ago..
• He Agreed — And Sparked An Internet Debate Ex-Florida GOP Chair Christian Ziegler Won't Be Charged With Sexual Assault With Von D, the former reality TV star claims that the tattoo she created is “transformative” enough to qualify as fair use..
• Artistic representations of copyrighted work can be protected by fair use if they “transform” the subject work into something new, such as a parody, critique, or news report..
• After the Warhol ruling, the judge now presiding over Sedlik’s case allowed the photographer’s lawsuit to proceed over Von D’s objections and claims of fair use..