Mike Tyson Tattoo Artisit Sues Filmmakers Savannah Tatttoo Artist Can They Do the Same?

Mike Tyson's role in the blockbuster hit movie The Hangover, sparked his tattoo artist to sue filmmakers. S. Victor Whitmill is Mike Tyson tattoo artist, he design Tyson signature face tattoo. The tattoo artist is suing the producers of The Hangover 2 after seeing a trailer with Mike Tyson facial tattoo on the face of Ed Helms (starred in Hangover and Hangover 2). Whitmill lawsuit has sparked a conversation among local Savannah tattoo artist about how much creative rights do they have over their art.

Local tattoo artist Larry weighted in on the lawsuit by saying "it's a ridiculous lawsuit, Whitmill is already getting free marketing from his art being on Mike Tyson's face." "I don't expect to collect money every time someone I tattooed shows their tat in movies, I would be happy for the free advertisement and hope they mention me."

Other local tattoo artists believe Whitmill is entitled to compensation, since it is being copied and Mike Tyson will not be in the sequel. Mike Tyson's tattoo artist retains all the imaging rights to the design of the tattoo and Warner Brothers improperly copied the facial ink.

As a reader, what do you think about Whitmill's lawsuit against Warner Brothers Studio? Do you think it is right for a tattoo artist to sue filmmakers over duplication of a tattoo? Do not be shy weigh in on this.