Members of Velvet Underground Suing Warhol Foundation

Members of the Velvet Underground are suing the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts for the use of the band’s iconic “banana” image, the New York Post reported. Lou Reed and John Cale said the foundation illegally licensed the logo for use on iPad cases and accessories. Warhol was the band’s manager and producer when the album was produced, but never copyrighted the design.

The suit was filed in Manhattan federal court and said the foundation was trying to “deceive the public” that the band endorsed the products.

“As a result, the symbol has become so identified with The Velvet Underground…that members of the public, and particularly those who listen to rock music, immediately recognize the banana design as the symbol of The Velvet Underground,” the court filing said, adding later:

“Inasmuch as the Warhol Foundation has such a large number of Andy Warhol designs, all of which are presumably unique works that are highly valued in the marketplace, there would appear to be no economic need to include the banana design among the designs that defendant licenses.”

You can take a look at the full New York Post report here.

Got news tips for Paste? Email news@pastemagazine.com.