Whelp, another day, another legal matter in the wonderful world of Hip Hop. Rapper Quavo has been hit with a copyright infringement lawsuit by renowned visual artist Daniel Arsham over the unauthorized appearance of Arsham’s Ferrari sculpture in a promotional video. The legal action also names Quality Control Music and HYBE America as defendants, alleging they profited from the unlicensed use of the artwork.
Get this, the dispute stems from a social media teaser posted late last year to promote Quavo’s upcoming projects. The clip featured Arsham’s distinctive sculpture without his permission, according to the lawsuit filed in March. The 14-page complaint states: “The next day, Quavo, through his Instagram profile, posted a series of five images that are stills of the Infringing Video or appear to have been photographed contemporaneously therewith (the ‘Infringing Post’).”
What’s more, the lawsuit further describes Quavo’s Instagram post, which included the caption: “No the engine is not in the front n the back I jus carbon the finder!” The rapper also tagged Arsham’s Instagram handle, @danielarsham, in the post.
Arsham’s legal team argues that both Quality Control and HYBE America were aware of and financially benefited from the infringement. The complaint reads: “On information and belief, QCM had actual or constructive knowledge of the infringing activities complained of herein… and stood to realize, have realized and continue to realize, a direct and indirect financial benefit therefrom.”
What’s interesting, while the lawsuit does not specify a monetary demand, Arsham’s artworks are known to sell for substantial sums, often reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. The artist is seeking damages, a court order to prevent further use of his work, and a jury trial to resolve the dispute.