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AURN Responds To Copyright Lawsuit Over Photo
AMERICAN URBAN NETWORKS (AURN) is pushing back against a lawsuit filed by photographer BILL COBB. The lawsuit is about a photo taken by COBB in 2007 that shows an aerial view of EVANSTON, ILLINOIS. COBB says AURN used this photo on its website without his permission. He filed the lawsuit on FEBRUARY 21st in a NEW YORK court, asking for damages and other legal relief.
COBB claims he found the photo on AURN’s website in AUGUST 2021, as part of a story about EVANSTON’s discussions on paying reparations to Black residents. In response, AURN has asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit and wants COBB to cover their legal fees.
On SEPTEMBER 13th, AURN argued in court that COBB’s complaint does not meet the requirements for proving “willful” copyright infringement. They admit to using the photo but say they got it from the WIKI IMAGES website, believing it was public domain. They say they had no knowledge of COBB’s copyright on the photo and claim their use wasn’t intentional.
AURN also questions whether COBB has a valid copyright for the photo and argues that their use falls under “fair use.” COBB is seeking compensation, including any profits AURN made from using the photo, and wants his legal fees covered. A jury trial has been requested.