Apple Daily Ltd is being sued by an international photo-agency for allegedly using paparazzi photographs of celebrities without permission.
A writ filed in the High Court by Sygma HK Ltd, part of the international Sygma photo-agency group, claims Apple Daily newspaper infringed Sygma's copyright on 12 photographs of stars including Oscar winning actor Jack Nicholson, actress Julia Roberts and the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Two staff members of Sygma HK Ltd met senior editorial staff of the newspaper on May 9, 1995, and explained the licensing services Sygma provided, the writ says.
It is alleged another meeting was held on August 15, 1995, to discuss 'the unauthorised and illegal' publication of a photograph of actress Sophie Marceau in Apple Daily.
Sygma maintains Apple Daily further infringed the agency's copyright when it published photographs taken for the agency by international fashion and erotica photographer Helmut Newton.
The writ claims Apple Daily's use of the photographs represented 'deliberate, calculated, blatant, knowing and reckless acts of infringement of the copyright' and that the reproductions 'are exact, slavish copies of the photographs'.
Sygma is seeking an injunction to restrain Apple Daily from infringing the agency's copyright, and damages, costs and interest.