Copyright Or Copy Wrong

Purvis Young was an ex-convict from Liberty City when he moved to Overtown and started nailing up his paintings on the sides of highway concrete and along Goodbread Alley in the hood. It’s what made him famous around the world. So famous that the car company Saab came calling and shot a national ad campaign featuring his artwork as the backdrop. Did he get paid? We don’t know. And though the art was certainly by him, would it be legally accurate to say that it was “his”? The implications over ownership of so-called street art are more relevant than ever. Today, Miami’s own Aholsniffsglue is embroiled in a lawsuit with American Eagle Outfitters over their use of his trademarked, copyrighted, private-commission work that is displayed in a public space. And while his case may set a legal precedent for all future street artists, they will have to be on point about their paperwork if they intend to follow suit. Step one, attend the Copyright and Street Art discussion as part of the Cannonball’s LegalLink program, held at Primary Projects (151 NE Seventh St., Miami) at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Experts and audience will engage in lively banter on the nature of ownership of art made and/or displayed on public streets. Admission is free and open to the public. Call 786-347-2360, or visit cannonballmiami.org.
Wed., Sept. 17, 7 p.m., 2014