Glaser Weil Wins $1.896M Attorneys’ Fees and Costs Award Following Successful Copyright Trial

Glaser Weil achieved another significant win on behalf of client Michael Gaffney, a renowned personal photographer to Muhammad Ali. Following a decisive September 2024 jury verdict in favor of Gaffney, the Court has now granted Glaser Weil’s motion for attorneys’ fees and costs—awarding approximately $1.896 million, in addition to the previously awarded $1.65 million in statutory damages.

This development follows the Firm’s successful representation of Gaffney in his copyright infringement trial against Authentic Brands Group. The litigation centered on ABG’s unauthorized use of Gaffney’s rare collection of Ali photographs captured in 1977 and 1978, and its continued use of Gaffney’s photographs after his contract with ABG expired. In that trial, the jury found that ABG had committed willful infringement and awarded the maximum statutory damages permitted by law.

This case marks an important victory for creators by reinforcing that photographers’ rights cannot be disregarded—even by multinational corporations exploiting copyrighted images across digital and social platforms. Gaffney was represented by Partner Robert Allen, Associate Jason Linger and Paralegal Rebecca Feldman. 

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Glaser Weil is regularly sought after by photographers, artists and other creators for its strong track record in high‑stakes copyright litigation and its deep capabilities in protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights.