The U.S. Supreme Court refused to review a decision from the 9th Circuit that the “pose” that inspired the Nike logo, depicting the gravity-defying leap of Michael Jordon could not be copyrighted.
The case was filed by former Life Magazine photographer Jacobus Rentmeester who claimed the famous 1984 photograph of Jordon commissioned by Nike was an infringement of his copyright. The 9th circuit held, among other reasons, that Rentmeester failed to show that the details of the Nike photo
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were “substantially similar” to his photo.
Without a doubt one of the greatest basketball players of all time, the 56-year-old Jordon is the principal owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. According to Forbes magazine, he is worth $1.9 billion. Reuters, Andrew Chung has the complete story:
* J Thomas Smith is the host of “Sunday Morning Live” on KMJQ/Majic 102.1 (9-11 am). He is an attorney, author, keynote speaker, and mental health consultant. Your comments are welcome: jtsmith@radio-one.com. Follow on Instagram @drjtsmith102, and Twitter @DrJThomasSmith.
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