Legal Question in Legal Ethics in New Mexico
Use of artwork in promotion without artist's permission
A restaurant in Santa Fe, NM had 2 sculptures on loan for a
short time from an artist in Santa Fe. Without her knowledge, the owner of the restaurant used her sculptures in his promotional material. The sculpture was removed
from the restaurant, and the artist has requested he remove
her images from his promotional material. He refuses to do so. There was no written/signed agreement between them
that he could use her work for his benefit. Does this artist have a case against this restaurant owner?
Thank you
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Use of artwork in promotion without artist's permission
She may, depending upon whether or not her work was copyrighted. Even if not, the commercial use of her work for profit may be protected. She should consult an intellectual property lawyer. There are several in Santa Fe.