Summary
- American artist Tyrell Winston filed a lawsuit against the New Orleans Pelicans after an article depicting a combination of a group of deflated basketballs posing in front of a team member, similar to Winston’s work.
- The artist is seeking jury trials and monetary compensation for alleged copyright infringement to cause “damage” to his reputation and markets.
July 30, Artist Tyrell Winston A lawsuit has been filed New Orleans Pelicanscharges copyright His “signature” exiles the infringement of the basketball wall sculpture.
The Legal Battle posts a set of photos on last year’s Instagram account. The posts show that several players placed on white walls in front of a 5 x 5 x 5 x array of basketball arrays, Winston called his work “intentional” and “same” copies in a complaint in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan. As of July 18, 2025, these two works have been registered with the United States copyright.
Winston is known for his installation work, created by flat basketballs from all over the world. The works have entered a considerable number of major galleries and museums, as well as licenses to work with brands such as Nike and Adidas.
In year’s past, Winston’s basketball artworks caught the attention of several heads within the NBA world, earning him an invitation to All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis in 2024. To substantiate his position on the grounds of influence and “cultural legitimacy,” the complaint also cites his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers and artwork purchased and displayed by Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores.
He is currently seeking trials from a jury and monetary compensation to cause “damage” to his reputation and marketing.
Winston’s lawyers sent notices to the team for a stop and demonstration last October, although this was allegedly ignored. The Pelicans will settle the complaints and remove them in the coming weeks. Please stay tuned for more details.
