Park West - Sued by Artist

According to the Detroit Free Press, South American artist Alex Perez has sued Park West Gallery for printing and selling his art without his permission. According to the article, Perez had a sales agreement with Smart Publishers of Fine Art, who in turn assigned the rights to Park West. Perez is claiming the transfer of rights was not legitimate, and was done without his knowledge. Park West had won a defamation suit against Perez several years back, which prevented him from saying anything negative about Park West.

Park West attorneys claim the suit has no merit.

The Detroit Free Press reports

In the suit, Perez alleges Smart Publishers assigned his contract to Park West without his permission, and Park West began reproducing and selling his artwork at land-based and cruise ship auctions, in some cases with a forged signature.

Perez, in the suit, accuses both of copyright infringement.

"This is a totally ridiculous lawsuit," said Park West lawyer Rodger Young of Southfield. He said Park West won a defamation suit in Florida against Perez about three years ago preventing him from saying anything adverse about the company.

Perez's lawyers, Donald Payton and Jonathan Schwartz of Farmington Hills, want U.S. District Judge Patrick Duggan to order the defendants to stop reproducing and selling Perez's artwork and to pay him for his work.

To read the complete article, click HERE.