La Disputa

Giorgio Armani is giving $1 million to nurture art programs in NYC, he announced this at his Armani 5th Avenue store opening.  “Armani Arts Institute” was created to aid art in schools with students coming from low-income families.  Mayor Bloomberg supported this gift and said that students need a well-rounded education- and that includes art.  A kind charitable act or a marketing maneuver in our ongoing market crisis?  Does it matter?

Yet another tiny artist vs. Corporation Extreme case.  This time it’s Starbucks filling in for the pompous victim role.  Kieron Dwyer drew a comic book using the corporate logo of Sbux as a basis for his parody concerning consumerism.  Starbucks noticed and served Dwyer with the motion 3 days before the case (using a bike messenger, no less)- leaving no time for Dwyer to get a lawyer or prepare his case.  Fortunately, before Dwyer published his book, he had asked a lawyer on the legal issues, and all was permitted.  Starbucks had expected a quick case, but Dwyer definitely is not taking it lying down.

So far, the results are interesing.  Dwyer cannot make money off his drawing as of now, however, the drawing is now treated as a political cartoon and is fully legal in the eyes of law.  Now we wait for the court date for the final results.