Designer seeks compensation from HKRFU for Sevens passes artwork

A freelance designer who created the VIP passes for the Hong Kong Sevens for the past 10 years has accused the organisers of using her artwork without her permission in a bid to save money.

Lawman Law was in the process of printing this year's passes in January when the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union suddenly said it had changed its mind. It is alleged the union went ahead and produced the passes elsewhere, without her knowledge.

Law's Genius Design and Printing Company had been retained for the past 10 years to design and produce the various passes to gain access to restricted areas of the Hong Kong Stadium during the tournament. Law was approached again this year for the job.

In December and January she liaised with the union's commercial department and provided designs. As it turned out, the style was nearly identical to the last year's, with the only change being the date. Law was then told the union would not need her services, which she accepted, while making clear she owned the copyright to the design and artwork.

When the tournament kicked off in March, the passes appeared identical to Law's design.

Through her lawyer, Law contacted the union to arrange compensation. If an agreement can't be reached, Law has instructed her lawyer to begin legal proceedings against the union for misappropriation of her property rights.