Taubmans rejects claims 2013 campaign inspired by freelance artist’s work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1SA78PCoG8
Major paint brand Taubmans has rejected claims by a freelance graphic designer and artist that a recent campaign for its Endure brand was inspired by artwork he showed to the brand in 2011.
Alex Wynnter, an artist who creates large artworks using Taubmans paint swatches, said he approached Taubmans two years ago with the aim of creating a work with the company’s paint swatches that the company could then auction to raise money for charity.
Wynnter told Mumbrella: “I offered to make artwork using their paint swatches that they could then auction for charity. Of course as an artist I hoped to be recognised for my work; however, as a big brand they have access that I cannot achieve. With their help, we could have done something really cool both for their own marketing and for the community.”
Even if it was inspired by his painting there’s no copyright being breeched here. I note the artist has produced a reworking of The Great Wave off Kanagawa on his Facebook page. It’s out of copyright he has every right to do so. Just as Taubman’s have a right to feature a picture of a bird in their ad if they want. Also the ‘woman’ is Shaynna Blaze. Dulux will have the Old English Sheepdog association after them with a frivolous claim next. First the Kyle and Jackie O trademark story now this. Why is Mumbrella reporting on claims that have no legal merit? I could claim to have invented branded content…. it’s doesn’t mean there’s a story in it. The standard of your reporting is generally high but you need someone in the office with a legal background to sort out the nonsense.