Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic is taking legal action against AirAsia, alleging the airline used his iconic artwork, Children on a Bicycle, without permission, credit, or compensation.
Zacharevic stated that he sought a fair resolution with AirAsia but was left with no choice but to proceed with a lawsuit after the airline’s final offer undervalued his work.
The dispute came to light last November when the artist accused AirAsia of unauthorized use of his artwork. Zacharevic claims this is not an isolated incident and that despite reaching out to the airline, unauthorized use of his work has continued.
“While the airline initially responded to these requests, new instances of unauthorized use have repeatedly emerged,” he said.
Zacharevic condemned the airline’s actions, stating, “This behavior sends a damaging message that artists’ work can be used freely, without regard for intellectual property rights.”
The artist has formally requested that AirAsia cease using his work. However, with no satisfactory resolution in sight, the matter will now be resolved in court.— BFM
Image—Ernest Zacharevic/Instagram
