Local Los Angeles Artist Files Lawsuit Against Green Day for Copyright Infringement

LOS ANGELES, March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Todd Bonder of the plaintiffs' law firm Rosenfeld, Meyer & Susman, LLP, announced today that Dereck Seltzer filed a lawsuit against Green Day for copyright infringement, violation of Lanham Trademark Act, unfair competition and injury to business reputation for misappropriation of Seltzer's original artwork titled Scream Icon.

Seltzer is an up-and-coming Los Angeles-based artist and illustrator. On July 3, 2003, Seltzer created Scream Icon and thereby obtained copyright protection for the work, in the US and elsewhere.  Scream Icon is a striking close-up abstract image of a face that is unique and highly identifiable.  

In late August of 2009, Seltzer began receiving emails and phone calls that his Scream Icon was used as the graphic image on the stage backdrop for Green Day's Los Angeles concert which is still part of their World concert tour. Seltzer was stunned to learn that his Scream Icon artwork also was being used by Green Day in promotional materials and other concert performances.

"I remember seeing my own artwork as the backdrop on stage during a clip of their concert and I was astonished," stated Seltzer. "Green Day chose my original artwork as the backdrop for all of their promotional materials and concert performances with absolutely no consideration for Scream Icon's copyright.  They added the cross, but my artwork was clearly and deliberately used. Even after I complained, they continued to use it, offering me concert tickets in settlement."

"The complaint charges that Green Day deliberately used Scream Icon without authorization," stated plaintiffs' counsel Todd Bonder. "After several unsuccessful attempts at settling this matter with Green Day which is represented by Warner Bros., Seltzer has been left with no choice but to pursue this issue in court through trial."

About Rosenfeld, Meyer & Susman, LLP

Rosenfeld, Meyer & Susman, LLP is located in Beverly Hills, and provides a broad range of services and advice on legal matters. The firm has been a powerful presence in the legal community since 1957 and is one of the most respected law firms in the US. Its highly skilled and experienced attorneys provide clients with authoritative representation, dedication to detail, and passion for their cause. The firm provides creative solutions and successful outcomes for all problems, large and small.

SOURCE Rosenfeld, Meyer & Susman, LLP