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Legal Battler Foundation, a renowned architectural institution, has filed a lawsuit against Getty Images France, a major image licensing company, alleging copyright infringement. The foundation accused Getty Images France of providing and distributing photographs depicting furniture designed by Le Corbusier without permission .
The lawsuit: Le Corbusier Foundation against Getty Images France: –
Getty Images France defended itself by arguing that the furniture in question was only incidental to the main subjects captured in the photographs. However, the trial judges found against the company, citing article L. 122-4 of the Intellectual Property Code , which provides that the reproduction of a work, in whole or in part, without the consent of the author or its successors in title is unlawful.
The Court of Cassation, France’s highest civil court, upheld the trial judges’ decision. In its judgment, the court recognized the efforts made by the judges to carefully analyze each incriminated photograph, taking into account the elements composing their composition and the importance given to the presentation of the furniture. Based on their thorough examination, the court concluded that the furniture was clearly visible and easily identifiable in the photographs .
Judgment of the Court of Cassation: maintenance of copyright protection: –
This decision underlines the importance of respecting the rights of artists and creators in the field of intellectual property. The Le Corbusier Foundation has successfully defended the rights to Le Corbusier’s furniture designs, claiming that the unauthorized reproduction and distribution of these works constitutes a violation of their intellectual property rights. Getty Images France, as the distributor of the photographs, was held liable for the infringement and incurs legal consequences .
This case reminds individuals and businesses alike of the legal obligations surrounding intellectual property. It emphasizes the need for proper authorization and consent when using and distributing creative works. By confirming the decision of the trial judges, the Court of Cassation reaffirms the importance of protecting the rights of artists and maintaining the integrity of their creations in the digital age.
