Daniel Arsham's Lawsuit Against HYBE America

Acclaimed contemporary artist Daniel Arsham has launched a major lawsuit against HYBE America Inc., the U.S. division of the global entertainment powerhouse HYBE, for allegedly infringing on his copyright. This legal action has sent ripples through the entertainment industry as it highlights the contentious relationship between artists and corporate giants.

The Core of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit centers around the unauthorized use of Arsham's striking 2018 sculpture, **Quartz Eroded 1961 Ferrari GT**, which appeared prominently in a music video for rapper Quavo, an artist affiliated with HYBE’s subsidiary, Quality Control Music Publishing (QCM). The video, titled **"Back To The Basics 2025!!,"** was shared across Quavo's Instagram and TikTok accounts on December 16, 2024, and instantly drew attention for its artistic visuals.

Claims and Allegations

According to documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on March 31, Arsham claims that his work was featured without his knowledge or consent. Notably, he asserts that the defendants, including Quavo, HYBE America, and QCM, exploited his artistic reputation for their financial gain. In an interesting twist, Quavo reportedly tagged Arsham’s account in subsequent posts—seemingly a nod to respect, yet overshadowed by the initial infringement.

Attempts for Resolution

In his complaint, Arsham reveals that he made several attempts to reach out to the defendants, pleading for the removal of the video and related posts, but was met with silence. The artist argues that this misuse of his intellectual property has resulted in significant reputational damage and potential financial losses.

Legal Grounds and Demands

The lawsuit invokes U.S. copyright law and New York Civil Rights Law, charging the defendants with direct, vicarious, and contributory infringement, alongside a violation of Arsham's right of publicity. He is not just seeking monetary compensation; he is also demanding an injunction that would prevent any future use or distribution of the infringing content. Additionally, Arsham has formally asked for a jury trial, which is sure to draw significant media attention.

Implications for the Art and Entertainment Industry

This legal confrontation comes at a time when the intersection of art and commercial usage continues to provoke debate within the creative community. As the case unfolds, many are eager to see how it will influence future collaborations between contemporary artists and the entertainment industry. Will artists be better protected moving forward? Only time will reveal the true implications of this high-profile lawsuit.