Milan court rules in favor of sculptor Giacomo Sparasci in copyright case
In a copyright dispute, the Court of Milan sided with sculptor Giacomo Sparasci (born October 23, 1956) against Coven S.r.l. and the municipality of Casorezzo. Sparasci found that a sculpture, which drew inspiration from his piece "Memoria dell'acqua," had been erected without his permission. Although he initially worked with Coven S.r.l. on various projects, he ceased collaboration upon discovering that components were created without his approval. The court's ruling in July 2017 (sentence no. 7480/2017) acknowledged Sparasci's unique artistic style, classified the sculpture as plagiarism, and mandated its removal and destruction, the return of his sketches, compensation for moral damages, and the publication of the ruling. An appeal is possible.
Key facts
- Giacomo Sparasci sued Coven S.r.l. and the municipality of Casorezzo for copyright infringement.
- The sculpture in question was inspired by Sparasci's earlier work 'Memoria dell'acqua'.
- The Court of Milan ruled in favor of Sparasci, ordering removal and destruction of the sculpture.
- The court recognized Sparasci as an artist with a distinctive and original style.
- Coven S.r.l. had argued the sculpture was designed by its own employee and was original.
- The ruling includes compensation for moral damages and publication in local press.
- The decision is subject to appeal.
- Another recent case involved Emilio Isgrò suing Roger Waters over album cover design.
Entities
Artists
- Giacomo Sparasci
- Emilio Isgrò
Institutions
- Coven S.r.l.
- Il Giardino delle Acque
- Tribunale di Milano
- Comune di Casorezzo
- Sony
- Pink Floyd
- Il Corriere della Sera
- La Repubblica
Locations
- Lecce
- Italy
- Zibido San Giacomo
- Lombardy
- Casorezzo
- province of Milan
- Milan
- Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto