Paris Court Orders John Galliano to Pay for Copyright Infringement

A French judge has ordered John GAlliano to pay 150,000 euros ($270,000) to photographer Willaim Klein, to compensate for abuse of Klein’s rights as author. Of this amount, 50,000 euros were awarded for making unauthorized and poor quality reproductions of Klein’s images.

The court of first instance in Paris said Klein’s “painted contacts” were a hallmark of his work and Galliano’s use of imagery was clearly illegal in the absence of authorization from the photographer.

Galliano said it would appeal the ruling with the aim of reducing the fine as it rejected the allegation its campaign could be considered “counterfeiting.”

Klein said he was particularly offended because Dior has led a relentless campaign against illegal reproductions of its own creations. Galliano was appointed designer at Givenchy in 1995 before switching to Christian Dior the following year.