Shephard Fairey Fined and Sentenced to Probation

Artist Shepard Fairey, creator of the 2008 “Hope” poster of Obama and party to a bitter copyright battle against the Associated Press, was sentenced in federal court in Manhattan today to two years of probation and fined $25,000 for tampering with evidence in the case. Government prosecutors had argued that Mr. Fairey should serve time for his actions and he faced up to six months in prison.

AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt commented, “After spending a great amount of time, energy and legal effort, all of us at The Associated Press are glad this matter is finally behind us. We hope this case will serve as a clear reminder to all of the importance of fair compensation for those who gather and produce original news content.”

More via The NY Times.

Tags: art, Associated Press, Copyright, criminal sanctions, fair use, hope poster, law, Obama, Shepard Fairey