The photo that served as the cover art for David Bowie’s album “Aladdin Sane” has sparked a lawsuit against Hard Rock Cafe International.
In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, the estate of photographer Brian Duffy, who according to the suit snapped the iconic photo, accuses Hard Rock Cafe of copyright infringement, saying that the image is used without permission at the Hard Rock Hotel in Palm Springs, California.
According to the suit, the image, is used “throughout the Hotel including but not limited to in the front entrance of the Hotel when guests arrive and in the Hotel guestrooms.”
“Duffy is the author of the Photograph and has at all times been the sole owner of all right, title and interest in and to the Photograph, including the copyright thereto.” the lawsuit reads.
The lawsuit says Duffy was “a renowned fashion and portrait photographer. He was included in the 2013 Professional Photographer list of the 100 most influential photographers of all time. His work has been featured in galleries and exhibitions around the world including the Chris Beetles Gallery in London, the Alanari Photo Museum in Florence, the Monash Art Gallery in Australia, and the Centro De Historias Museum in Spain.”
“Hard Rock did not license the Photograph from Plaintiff nor did Hard Rock have Plaintiff’s permission or consent to publish the Photograph in its Hotel or Websites,” the suit reads.
Alleging copyright infringement, the suit seeks unspecified damages.
TheWrap has reached out to a Hard Rock spokeswoman for comment on the lawsuit.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.
11 of David Bowie's Most Iconic Film and TV Roles (Videos)
"The Man Who Fell to Earth"
Bowie's first leading role was in 1976's "The Man Who Fell to Earth" as an alien who comes to Earth to bring water back to his home planet. Bowie later admitted he was abusing cocaine while filming the movie.
"The Hunger"
Starring alongside Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon, Bowie played a vampire in the 1983 cult classic "The Hunger."
"Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence"
An adaptation of the Laurens van der Post novel "The Seed and the Sower," 1983's "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" starred Bowie as a POW held in a Japanese internment camp during WWII.
"Labyrinth"
Bowie's most iconic on-screen role was as the big-haired Goblin King Jareth in Jim Henson's "Labyrinth" in 1986. In addition to starring in the film alongside Jennifer Connelly, Bowie also composed all of the music.
"The Last Temptation of Christ"
Replacing Sting, who passed on the role, Bowie played religious figure Pontius Pilate in Martin Scorsese's "The Last Temptation of Christ" in 1988 alongside Willem Dafoe as Jesus Christ.
"Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me"
Though he never appeared in the original ABC series, Bowie appeared in David Lynch's "Twin Peaks" prequel movie "Fire Walk With Me" in 1992.
"Basquiat"
In one of his smaller film appearances, the "Life on Mars" singer played artist Andy Warhol in Julian Schnabel's biopic of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1996.
"The Hunger" (TV Series)
Bowie narrated the second season of the Showtime horror anthology "The Hunger" in 2000, providing ominous introductions to standalone stories about cannibalism, vampires, sex, and poison each week.
"Zoolander"
One of the most memorable moments from 2001's "Zoolander" was a scene in which Bowie judged a walk-off between Ben Stiller's Derek Zoolander and Owen Wilson's character Hansel.
"The Prestige"
Playing Andy Warhol in "Basquiat" wasn't the last time Bowie portrayed a real-life figure on screen. In 2005 he appeared in Christopher Nolan's "The Prestige" as physicist Nikola Tesla.
"Extras"
In 2007, Bowie made a guest appearance on Ricky Gervais' comedy series "Extras" as himself, sitting down at a piano and singing a biting tribute to the comedian
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From ”Labyrinth“ to ”The Prestige,“ Bowie’s onscreen roles added another dimension to a legendary career that ended two years ago
"The Man Who Fell to Earth"
Bowie's first leading role was in 1976's "The Man Who Fell to Earth" as an alien who comes to Earth to bring water back to his home planet. Bowie later admitted he was abusing cocaine while filming the movie.
