Glaser Weil Leads Legal Battle for Muhammad Ali’s Personal Photographer Against Authentic Brands Group

Glaser Weil is representing Muhammad Ali’s personal photographer, Michael Gaffney, in a copyright infringement lawsuit heading to trial in September against Authentic Brands Group (ABG). 

Gaffney alleges that ABG used his rare collection of Ali photographs after Gaffney’s contract with ABG expired, including on ABG’s commercial social media accounts, where they were advertised to millions of people. One of Gaffney’s iconic photographs was even selected by ABG as the official obituary photograph of Ali. ABG’s social media was directly linked to websites where Ali merchandise was sold. Gaffney further alleges that ABG profited from the Ali photographs by distributing them to other companies, such as TAG Heuer, for their advertising campaigns, without authorization from Gaffney.

Gaffney is an award-winning photographer based in New Jersey. He was Ali’s personal photographer from 1977 to 1978, covered three of Ali’s fights, and traveled with Ali and his family around the world. Gaffney’s photographs have been featured in exhibitions internationally and in films, including the Ken Burns four-part documentary film, “Muhammad Ali.”  In 2012, Gaffney published a book, “The Champ-My Year With Muhammad Ali,” that documented in photographs and stories his experience.

Gaffney is represented by Robert Allen, Jason Linger and Rebecca Feldman. Trial is scheduled to begin on September 16 in New York City.