One of the most high-profile lawsuits in recent years has erupted in the world of tattoo art and copyright. On June 9, 2026, Judge Mary H. Murguia, presiding over the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, issued an unprecedented decision: the copyright infringement case of photographer Jeffrey B. Sedlik against renowned tattoo artist Kat Von D (real name Katherine von Drachenberg) will be reheard by the full court. This event, known as an en banc review, is extremely rare and signals the importance of the precedent for the entire creative industry.
copyright
Intellectual Property in 2026: Tattoo Scandals and the Battle for Brands
The world of intellectual property at the start of 2026 faced tectonic shifts that directly affect both tech giants and creative professionals, including tattoo artists. While major corporations like Microsoft are rethinking their brand management approaches, the fate of what we’ve come to consider free artistic expression is being decided in appellate courtrooms. The intersection of digital technologies, fashion, and body art is creating a new reality where the line between inspiration and copyright infringement is becoming increasingly blurred.