Justice’s Gaspard Augé on Justin Bieber’s ‘rip off’ artwork: “It's not a coincidence”

Gaspard Augé of French electronic music duo Justice has addressed the alleged “ripping off” of their logo on Justin Bieber’s 'Justice' album for the first time since sending a cease-and-desist in March.

The band had claimed the cross logo (that Justice refers to as ‘The Mark’) featured on Bieber’s album was used without permission, though the Canadian singer’s management had reached out to them before release.

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“Obviously, we don’t own the word 'Justice' and we don’t own the cross. But [Bieber’s] management got in touch first to ask where our logo came from, so it's not some unhappy coincidence. “ Augé said in an interview with The Guardian.

“To me, it's a very conscious rip-off. And that's where the problem is. Though Bieber is from Canada, his actions fit this mindset of American hegemony: 'Oh well, it's just a small band from France, I'm sure we can take their name, nobody will care',” he added.

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The letter sent in March by Justice’s legal team had said: “Your use of the Mark is illegal. You have not received permission from Justice to utilize the Mark. Moreover, Bieber’s work is in no way affiliated with, supported by, or sponsored by Justice. Such use of the Mark is not only illegal but likely to deceive and confuse consumers.”

“Not only was Bieber’s team actually aware of Justice’s use of the Mark, they sought to use the same artist to essentially duplicate it for the Album. This is textbook bad faith and willful infringement,”

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Rolling Stone reported Beiber's team had rejected the initial cease and desist.

[Via: Guardian]

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter