Published: 5 February, 2009, 13:45
Edited: 5 February, 2009, 13:45
A copyright dispute has broken out over a portrait of Barack Obama. The popular image is widely seen as the quintessential picture of Obama during his historic campaign to become US president.
The Associated Press news agency wants credit and compensation from the artist Shepard Fairey who created the image based on a shot made by its photographer Manny Garcia.
The popular Warhol-style image of Obama was seen almost everywhere during the presidential campaign.
It has even been purchased for thousands of dollars on eBay.
The image also appeared on the cover of Time Magazine and has been added to the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery in Washington.
The artist’s attorney, Anthony Falzone, says the fair use concept allows Shepard to use the photo. Fair use implies some exceptions to copyright law.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a former Obama campaign official said they knew that the image was based on a photo by Garcia. He added, though, they never used it officially.