Copyright Battle Over Ivan Marchuk's Paintings
A legal case concerning the alleged unlawful seizure of copyrights to images of artist Ivan Marchuk's paintings has been ongoing for over five months. The Ternopil City District Court is hearing the case, with Marchuk himself as the plaintiff and four individuals named as defendants. In response to the scandal, the artist's daughter, Bohdana Pivnenko, has publicly appealed to Mykhailo Apostol.
Scandal Erupts Over Licensing Agreement
The controversial saga began on May 12, 2020, the day Marchuk celebrated his 84th birthday. Among those who congratulated the artist was his fellow countryman, Mykhailo Apostol, a former member of parliament and ex-advisor to the interior minister. A copy exists of a licensing agreement signed by five parties: Ivan Marchuk, Serhii Pavlenko, Mykhailo Synytsia, Ihor Apostol, and Tamara Strypko.
Under this contract, Marchuk granted the four other parties an exclusive 100-year license to use the copyrights for images of all his paintings. The artist's compensation for signing the agreement was 10,000 Ukrainian hryvnias, equivalent to roughly $360 USD at the 2020 exchange rate. The contract also stipulated a 5% royalty for Marchuk from licensing revenues, but these funds were never paid to him. This case highlights the vulnerabilities artists can face in complex legal and business dealings.
Judge Taras Yakimets is presiding over the case. Marchuk's lawyer has informed the court that reconciliation between the parties is impossible. Furthermore, law enforcement authorities in the capital have opened a separate criminal investigation following an inquiry.
"I appeal to all admirers of my father Ivan Marchuk's work, and directly to Mr. Mykhailo Apostol and those associated with him. I demand the immediate cessation of using my name, any mentions of me, dragging me into publications, and any attempts to create an impression of my involvement or support for your actions."
Bohdana Pivnenko
The copyright case over Ivan Marchuk's paintings continues to be widely debated in society, as it touches not only on the artist's personal legacy but also on broader principles of copyright protection in Ukraine. The outcome is being closely watched, as it could set a significant precedent for how artistic rights are defended within the country's legal system.