Yes, you read that right. Singer Robin Thicke is being sued by photo agency BackGrid USA—not for stealing lyrics or infringing on someone’s trademark, but for posting two paparazzi photos of himself on Instagram.
Now here’s the legal twist: it doesn’t matter that he’s the person in the photos. What matters is who owns the copyright—and in this case, that’s BackGrid.
According to the lawsuit filed in federal court, BackGrid alleges that Thicke posted the images without obtaining proper licensing and ignored their attempts to resolve the matter privately. Although the posts have since been deleted, screenshots live on (as they often do), and are now being used as evidence of copyright infringement.
What’s Really Brewing Here?
This case is steeped in copyright law, not trademark—but it’s still a hot lesson for brand owners.
Copyright secures creative expressions, like photos, music, videos, and written works. So even if you’re the subject of a photo, that doesn’t give you the legal right to reproduce or share it if you don’t own the copyright or haven’t been given permission to use it.
On the flip side, trademark secures brand identifiers—like your business name, logo, slogan, or even your product packaging. The goal? To secure your brand’s identity and make sure consumers aren’t confused about who’s behind your product or service.
But here’s the crossover: whether you’re dealing with a logo or a paparazzi pic, the same truth applies…
Ownership equals power. And ignorance won’t save you in court.
The Takeaway for Bizpreneurs: Fair or Foul?
From a brand owner’s point of view, this case is a reminder that just because it’s online doesn’t mean it’s free to use. That includes:
- Stock photos you didn’t license
- Memes with unclear sources
- Influencer pics you reposted without permission
- And yes—even professional photos taken of you by someone else
So is it fair or foul?
Legally, it’s fair. Ethically, some may argue it’s excessive to sue someone for posting a photo of themselves. But in court, copyright law is clear: the creator owns the rights, not the subject.
