Kat Von D Wins Copyright Trial Over Miles Davis Tattoo

Jury rules tattoo and related social media posts constitute 'fair use', plaintiff plans to appeal

Celebrity tattoo artist Kat Von D has won a copyright trial over a tattoo she inked of jazz legend Miles Davis, with a jury ruling that her work did not violate copyright law.
The lawsuit was filed by photographer Jeffrey Sedlick, who took the 1989 portrait of Davis that inspired the tattoo.
The jury also ruled that Von D's drawing and social media posts about the tattoo process fell within the legal doctrine of 'fair use' of a copyrighted work.
Sedlick's attorney has stated they plan to appeal the decision, arguing that the images are so similar that the ruling threatens the safety of all art.
Von D has expressed relief at the verdict, but also concern for the tattoo industry, stating that the lawsuit has been 'two years of a nightmare' for her and her fellow tattoo artists.