KUALA LUMPUR: Internationally recognised Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic has filed a lawsuit at the High Court here today against AirAsia Berhad, alleging copyright infringement and unauthorised use of his iconic artwork, "Kids on Bicycle”, which was displayed on the livery of an AirAsia aircraft, in 2024.
Zacharevic, the author and copyright owner of the artwork, named AirAsia Berhad and its parent company, Capital A Berhad, as the first and second defendants.
The Penang-based artist claimed that in October 2024, he discovered the artwork had been reproduced and displayed on the livery of an AirAsia aircraft, which was then displayed publicly while the aircraft was in operation.
The plaintiff alleged that the defendants reproduced, displayed and adapted the artwork without his knowledge, licence or authorisation.
He further contended that the use of the artwork was not an isolated incident, claiming there had been a pattern of unauthorised use by the defendants and their affiliates across various promotional and advertising campaigns since 2016.
Thus, Zacharevic, is seeking relief from the court for alleged infringement of his copyright and moral rights, as well as for passing off and unlawful interference with his trade.
Among the remedies sought are declarations recognising his rights as the artist, injunctions to restrain further unauthorised use of the artwork, and orders for the removal and destruction of infringing materials. He is also seeking appropriate monetary compensation.
Zacharevic is represented by counsel Joachim Francis Xavier.- Bernama
