Mike Tyson’s Tattoo Artist Sues Warner Bros. Over ‘Hangover 2′
“When Mr. Whitmill created the Original Tattoo, Mr. Tyson agreed that Mr. Whitmill would own the artwork and thus, the copyright in the Original Tattoo.”
“Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. – without attempting to contact Mr. Whitmill, obtain his permission, or credit his creation – has copied Mr. Whitmill’s Original Tattoo and placed it on the face of another actor … This unauthorized exploitation of the Original Tattoo constitutes copyright infringement.”
While Whitmill may argue that the tattoo is a direct reference to Tyson’s role in the first movie, Warner Bros. will more than likely call the tattoo a piece of parody which in turn would invalidate copyright claims. Warner Bros. will also more than likely claim that they changed the tattoo enough to void any copyright claims.
Whitmill wants the movies release halted but that is highly unlikely to happen which means ‘The Hangover Part II’ will reach theaters May 26.
Now I just want to know why Mike Tyson would give up the copyright to something that would remain on his face forever.
