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Intellectual Property law Blog

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Copyrighting Mother Nature's Images

07-07-2008 [Francisco Ferreiro] [Permalink]

 "One of California's most popular specialty license plates — depicting the tail of a Pacific humpback whale rising out of misty waters — could soon become endangered itself.  Robert Wyland, the artist who created the pale blue image and gave it to the state more than a decade ago to help it raise money for marine programs, is now demanding 20 percent of any future revenue for his art foundation." 

STORY LINK:  HERE 

THE LICENSE PLATE IN QUESTION:  HERE

Considering the number of works of art that incorporate images found in nature, it's worth taking a moment to consider the extent to which such works should be protected.   While works of art that depict animals or plants in their natural state likely fall within the public domain; works taking more artistic liberties will likely be accorded more protection.   An interesting article discussing the issue in more detail is available HERE.