Run-D.M.C. Photos Lead to Lawsuit for Live Nation

Hip-hop photographer Glen Friedman is lashing out against Live Nation, filing a copyright infringement lawsuit against the company on Wednesday (March 9) for the unlawful use of Run-D.M.C. photos. According to the suit, Friedman is alleging that the concert promotions company, alongside global merchandising company Anthill Trading and Art.com, conspired to illegally use four of his photos of the famed hip-hop group, for their own profit.

In his complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Friedman also stated that the companies "had access to the subject images, without limitations, access through books, access through copies published on the Internet and access through illegal copies." He is seeking to recoup all profits garnered from the sale of t-shirts, calendars, and other memorabilia baring his photos, as well as funds to cover legal fees.

Friedman, a 48-year-old native of North Carolina is known for snapping some of hip-hop's most groundbreaking and controversial figures including Ice-T, KRS-One, Public Enemy and the Beastie Boys. His photos have appeared in publications spanning the globe. He recently had pieces of his work displayed in New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Live Nation has yet to release a statement on the matter.