Feb 24 • 11:45 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia Guardian Australia

Amyl and the Sniffers embroiled in US legal battle after photographer countersues singer

Australian rock band Amyl and the Sniffers is facing a legal dispute with photographer Jamie Nelson over copyright issues related to a photoshoot.

The Australian rock band Amyl and the Sniffers is embroiled in a legal conflict regarding photo rights, initiated by their lead singer, Amy Taylor, who previously sued photographer Jamie Nelson over the sale of fine art prints based on her images. Taylor alleged that Nelson sold prints without proper authorization, asserting that her manager had denied permission for the commercialization of the photographs taken during a Vogue Portugal shoot. The situation escalated when Nelson countersued, claiming that Taylor and her partner infringed on his copyright by sharing the photos on Instagram.

The legal battle focuses on a specific photoshoot from May 2025, where Taylor was photographed for a series titled "Champagne Problems." Nelson is requesting the dismissal of Taylor's initial lawsuit, arguing that the case should not go to trial. He contends that the images shared by Taylor were a violation of his copyright and the commercialization aspect had not been transparently discussed before the shoot, which is critical to the dispute. He is seeking damages for the alleged infringement as part of his countersuit.

This case not only raises significant questions about copyright and ownership in the realm of celebrity photography but also highlights the complexities of photographer-client relationships, particularly regarding the prior consent for the use of images. The outcome may have broader implications for how artists and photographers navigate their agreements, especially in high-profile settings like magazine shoots. As the case develops in Los Angeles, it will be key to observe how legal interpretations regarding copyright will shift in the digital age, where sharing and reposting images has become commonplace.

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