Copyright Clash: Judge Allows Deborah Roberts’ Lawsuit Against Richard Beavers Gallery to Proceed

New York’s Richard Beavers Gallery, renowned for promoting Black art, faces a copyright infringement lawsuit from artist Deborah Roberts, whose works are celebrated for their layered portrayals of Black children. The suit, initially filed in 2022, asserts that collages by artist Lynthia Edwards, represented by the gallery, mimic Roberts’ distinctive style, amounting to "willful copyright infringement."

Roberts’ complaint argues that Beavers and Edwards’ work creates “confusing similarity” with her own collages, allegedly undermining her reputation and market standing. Beavers' motion to dismiss the case, which highlighted the collage technique’s roots in Black American art, was partially denied by U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall. The judge found six of Roberts’ fifteen presented comparisons “sufficiently similar” to substantiate her copyright claim, citing parallels in subject composition and aesthetic presentation.

Roberts’ trade dress argument, asserting the gallery’s overall style misrepresents her unique artistic identity, was less convincing to Judge Hall. Nevertheless, Hall’s decision reinforces the potential validity of Roberts’ infringement claims. Roberts’ attorney, Gregory Clarick, stated the ruling advances their case, underscoring significant resemblances in Edwards' and Roberts' works and strengthening the pathway for success.