Kat Von D spotted looking giddy while leaving a Los Angeles courthouse after winning her copyright case over a famous Miles Davis photograph
Kat Von D was all smiles after leaving a Los Angeles courthouse on Friday after winning her copyright case over a famous Miles Davis photo.
The 41-year-old tattoo artist (born Katherine von Drachenberg) was spotted leaving the courthouse with her father, Rene Drachenberg.
The jury deliberated for just over two hours before deciding that Von D’s tattoo, based on Jeffrey Sedlik’s famous 1989 portrait of Miles Davis, did not violate the photographer’s copyright.
Von D – who recently embraced Christianity – was spotted leaving the courthouse in a form-fitting black top, tucked into a black ruffled skirt that fell to her calves.
She also stepped out in black leggings, while she accessorized with stylish black sunglasses and a large black leather bag.
Kat Von D smiled after leaving a Los Angeles courthouse on Friday after winning her copyright case over a famous Miles Davis photo
Kat was also seen wearing a black coat as she walked down the street with her father after the verdict was read.
The tattoo artist’s victory could be a milestone for tattoo artists everywhere after the jury determined the ink did not sufficiently resemble Sedlik’s copyrighted portrait.
Von D used the portrait as the basis for a tattoo she put on a friend’s arm as a gift more than seven years ago, although Sedlik filed a lawsuit, saying she needed his permission to do so.
They also ruled that her drawings and social media posts about the tattoo also did not infringe the photographer’s copyright and stated that they all fall under fair use.
‘I’m obviously very happy that this is over. “It’s been a nightmare worrying about this for two years, not only for myself but for my fellow tattoo artists,” she said after the ruling.
Her attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, added after the ruling: “We have always said this case should never have been brought. The jury recognized that this was simply ridiculous.”
Sedlik’s attorney Robert Edward Allen said they plan to appeal the verdict, adding that he could not understand how the jury reached the verdict.
“If these two things are not substantially similar, no one’s art is safe,” Allen said in a statement.
He argued during closing arguments that the lawsuit was not about tattoos but about “copying the protected works of others,” including his client’s photo first published on the cover of JAZZIZ magazine in 1989, in which he was copyrighted in 1994.
The 41-year-old tattoo artist (born Katherine von Drachenberg) was spotted leaving the courthouse with her father, Rene Drachenberg
The attorney argued that Sedlik licensed the image to others over the years, including other tattoo artists, and that this was a large portion of his income.
Von D argued at trial that she considers tattoos a form of “fan art,” adding, “I’ve made zero money from them.” I don’t mass produce anything. I think there’s a big difference.’
Still, Von D, who rose to fame on TV shows like Miami Ink and LA Ink, said she will never be allowed to tattoo anyone again because of this.
‘I don’t think I ever want to tattoo again, it’s crushed my heart in different ways. We will see with time,” she said after the verdict.