Copyright Infringement of Visual Art

A recent copy infringement claim highlights ongoing concerns over how visual creators’ work is used commercially.

A photographer has publicly accused the British band Sleep Token of using one of her concert photos on official merchandise without securing permission or a licensing agreement. The photographer says she shot a picture of Sleep Token’s masked frontman during the 2023 Copenhell Festival in Denmark while working under an editorial assignment. She later learned that the image was repurposed and altered to create a limited-edition collectible coin that the band’s team sold at their 2024 concert in Frankfurt, Germany. According to the photographer, neither she nor her representatives were contacted for permission. No licensing contract was ever signed.

The photographer took to Instagram to share her experience and her attempts to reach the band’s management. She said she had sent emails and direct messages but had not been able to establish communication. She was finally able to contact one person who was involved with the coin. The woman was allegedly called “aggressive” for saying the settlement they offered was unfair. She is still hoping to contact Sleep Token’s management directly.

As a creator, the photographer said it was “a bit disheartening when you do something with passion and it gets stolen for profit and dismissed like this.” She also says that her stolen work was not an isolated case. The band has allegedly had various copyright issues with creators before. She referenced earlier controversies, including a separate incident in which a tattoo artist’s Instagram was taken down after a copyright claim. She is urging others to help raise awareness of the issue.

This case has sparked discussion in creative and music communities about rights, consent, and the importance of clear agreements when artistic work is reused for merchandising or commercial purposes.

Similar Disputes

Copyright disputes involving music and visual art are increasingly common. Recent cases include photographers suing musicians for using concert images on album covers and merchandise without permission. Similar conflicts over iconic album imagery have resurfaced over time, often hinging on whether proper authorization or licensing existed and how the work was commercially used.

In response, lawmakers are considering the Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act, which would simplify copyright registration for photographers by allowing bulk and subscription-based registrations and modernized image registries. Supporters say these changes would lower costs, reduce administrative barriers, and help creators enforce their rights more effectively.

Overall, the issue underscores that while creators automatically own the copyright to their work, registering and documenting it is often critical to maintaining control and securing compensation when images are used commercially without consent.

Learn More About Copyright Infringement

It can be frustrating when a photographer or other visual artist has had their work stolen. It is even more disheartening when others have been making money off the work, with the artist not receiving compensation.

Orlando trademark & copyright lawyer B.F. Godfrey from Godfrey Legal can help you protect your work and assist you in taking legal action if infringement has taken place. Fill out the online form or call (407) 890-0023 to schedule a consultation today.

Source:

diyphotography.net/sleep-token-photographer-copyright/