Think of the distinctive lightning bolt scar on Harry Potter’s forehead, or the iconic “S” on Superman’s chest – certain images are so ingrained in our consciousness, they become inseparable from the characters themselves. Tattoos, in today’s era, have achieved a similar cultural ubiquity, morphing from personal statements into globally recognized symbols on the bodies of athletes, musicians, and movie stars. From Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s elaborate Polynesian sleeve to Post Malone’s face covered in ink, these designs are often as famous as the individuals sporting them. But when a tattoo becomes a fixture in the pop culture landscape, who truly owns its image? The legal landscape surrounding tattoo copyright is still being shaped, with recent court decisions adding layers to the debate.
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