Cleared

Celebrity Tattoo Artist Kat Von D Cleared of Copyright Infringement in Landmark Case

by

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – In a recent copyright infringement case, famous tattoo artist Katherine von Drachenberg, commonly known as Kat von D, successfully defended herself against claims that she used a copyrighted photograph of jazz musician Miles Davis without permission. The case, Sedlik v. von Drachenberg, et al, hinged on whether Kat von D’s tattoo of the Davis portrait was substantially similar to the original photograph owned by photographer Jeffrey Sedlik. The jury, after a brief deliberation, unanimously ruled in favor of Kat von D, stating that her tattoo art did not infringe on Sedlik’s … Read more

Former Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson Cleared of Sexual Assault Lawsuit by Federal Judge

by

Chicago, Illinois – A federal judge has dismissed the sexual assault lawsuit against former Chicago Police superintendent Eddie Johnson. The lawsuit, filed by officer Cynthia Donald, accused Johnson of repeatedly raping her and concealing evidence of the abuse. The allegations stemmed from a drunk driving incident in 2019 that led to Johnson’s retirement. U.S. District Judge Elaine Bucklo granted motions for summary judgment filed by Johnson and the city, stating that the evidence suggested Donald was a willing participant in the relationship. The lawsuit was brought against Johnson and the city late last year by … Read more

Justice Denied: Doctor and Nurse Cleared of Manslaughter Charges in Inmate’s Death at San Diego County Jail

by

Santee, California – The criminal case against a doctor charged with involuntary manslaughter for the death of an inmate at the Las Colinas jail was dismissed on Wednesday. Dr. Friederike Von Lintig, 59, had been acquitted by a 9-3 jury vote just days before. The same jury also found nurse Danalee Pascua, 39, not guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Dr. Von Lintig was the physician on duty when 24-year-old Elisa Serna died, and Pascua was the last nurse to see her before her death. Serna had collapsed in her cell at the jail’s medical observation unit … Read more

Kat Von D Cleared of Copyright Infringement in Landmark Miles Davis Tattoo Case

by

LOS ANGELES – Celebrity tattoo artist Kat Von D has been cleared of copyright violation charges by a federal jury in Los Angeles today. The jury unanimously ruled in her favor, stating that she did not infringe on a photographer’s copyright when she used an image of jazz icon Miles Davis as a reference to create a tattoo. The jury, consisting of eight individuals, reached their decision in less than two hours of deliberation. U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer received their verdict. The case centered around Von D using the Davis photograph to ink … Read more