Reading about lawsuits isn’t exactly a recommended or necessary aspect of being a human, but here's one that's at least of some interest due to its relation to a common Instagramming practice.
Per a report filed Monday by The Fashion Law, Virgil Abloh's Canary Yellow LLC is being sued for copyright infringement after sharing a photo of Bella Hadid to his Instagram Story. Jawad Elatab, the photographer, filed the suit in New York federal court last Friday and states that Abloh shared the photo (which sees Hadid rocking an Off-White x Rimowa piece) without paying for a license or otherwise obtaining permissions to do so.
"Canary Yellow is not, and has never been, licensed or otherwise authorized to reproduce, publicly display, distribute and/or use the photograph," Elatab's suit argues, adding that only he possesses the exclusive rights to display the photo and/or distribute it to the public.
The infringement claim in question sees Elatab seeking damages (including profits stemming from the post) "or alternatively, up to $150,000 per work infringed." He's also asking for attorney's fees and related costs. Read more on the lawsuit, if lawsuit-reading is something you're into and whatnot, right over here.
Speaking of Off-White matters, the brand was recently knocked off its usual spot atop the Lyst Index's Hottest Brand ranking by Gucci. A 20 percent revenue growth for Gucci contributed to this shuffling, which saw Off-White still holding strong with a commendable No. 2 placement ahead of Balenciaga, Valentino, Prada, Versace, Fendi, Nike, and others.
