Photographer Files Suit against Syracuse University
On May 13, 2019, photographer James Bass filed suit against Syracuse University, alleging copyright infringement of his photographs of the Syracuse University basketball team.
Bass states that he photographed members of the Syracuse basketball team for the team’s social media (the "Photos"). He claims sole ownership of all right, title, and interest in the Photos, including the copyright. The complaint alleges Syracuse’s license for the Photos was limited strictly to social media use, and that Bass did not grant permission for any other use. Bass alleges Syracuse exceeded the scope of the license by using the Photos on billboards, tickets, and programs.
Bass claims that Syracuse’s conduct exhibited a willful and intentional disregard for his rights as the copyright holder of the Photos. Bass is seeking punitive damages along with actual damages in the form of Syracuse’s profits which can be attributed to the alleged infringement.