Green Day sued by Los Angeles artist for copyright infringement

Los Angeles artist Dereck Seltzer filed suit in the Central District of California against Green Day for copyright infringement. Seltzer alleges that the band used his work ‘Scream Icon’ without authorization in its website, videos and concerts, including a performance at the American Music Awards.

The work (found here) was registered with the copyright office on November 16, 2009. While not required for protection, copyright registration gives the registrant certain benefits, including the ability to sue for infringement, presumptive ownership and statutory damages.

In addition to copyright infringement, Seltzer is seeking damages for unfair competition under both the Lanham Act 43(a) and state law.

Read the entire complaint here. More on the suit from the plaintiff’s law firm press release here.