City of Berlin Sued for Copyright Infringement
According to The Guardian, about 21 artists are suing the city of Berlin for copyright infringement.
In papers due to be filed at a Berlin court this week, the artists say they … were offered €3,000 (£2,700) each by Berlin council to recreate their original murals after the site was overhauled for the 20th anniversary of the fall of the wall two years ago. The artists were told if they refused to comply, an urban renewal firm contracted by the council would whitewash their work and get someone else to re-create – or “forge”, according to the aggrieved artists – the originals.
The artists considered the €3,000 (approx $4,500) a measly amount, but would consider recreating their murals for a higher price. The lawsuit is scheduled to be filed today.
We’re wondering if Germany has a “moral rights” law similar to our very own Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990. We’ll find out and update you.
Via The Guardian.
UPDATE: May 12, 2011
Our friends Felix and Terry have provided an answer to my question above. See sections 12-14 of the German Copyright Law. Thanks guys!
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