As Revelist previously reported, MUA Vlada Haggerty, known for her "lip drip" artwork, filed a lawsuit against Make Up Forever. The complaint alleged that MUFE repeatedly tried collaborating with Vlada, but when she declined its offers, the company decided to use her trademarked artwork without her consent. Vlada had previously sought out legal action against Kylie Cosmetics for a similar grievance.
Vlada's story serves as an inspiration for any independent artist looking to get justice for their stolen works from larger companies with more resources and less to lose.
For the uninitiated, Vlada Haggerty is a rock-star makeup artist.
Her unique perspective elevates something even makeup enthusiasts sometimes take for granted: how we adorn our lips.
Vlada kindly shares her work with hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram. The artist is well-known for her iconic "lip drip" artwork.
It's no surprise that Vlada's work is coveted in the beauty industry. Unfortunately, when brands couldn't have Vlada, the artist alleges that some companies used unsavory methods to capture some of her magic.
Earlier this year, Vlada alleged in a lawsuit that Make Up Forever copied her lip-drip art as the "new" logo for its Lustrous makeup line.
According to the law firm of Stephen McArthur, which represents Vlada, Make Up Forever contacted Vlada twice in 2016 to collaborate with the artist.
Vlada declined in both instances due to an exclusive contract with another makeup brand. Still, it appeared, according to the McArthur Law Firm, that MUFE went forward with using Vlada's art without her permission.
As alleged in the filing, these requests to collaborate demonstrate that Make Up Forever was "aware of and desired" Vlada's trademarked artistry prior to releasing similar artwork for its own products.
"After Vlada declined MUFE’s requests, MUFE went ahead and adopted an unauthorized logo for its new line of 'Lustrous' cosmetics that directly copied Vlada’s trademarked and copyrighted lip art. The MUFE Lustrous logo is so similar to Vlada’s work that it gives consumers the false impression that Vlada is collaborating with MUFE when she is not," the complaint states.
"Through this lawsuit, Vlada demands that MUFE immediately remove the infringing 'Lustrous' products from sale and pay damages for MUFE’s blatant and willful copyright and trademark infringement, including a disgorgement of all of its worldwide profits from the sale of the Lustrous cosmetics line, statutory damages, and Vlada’s attorneys’ fees," the McArthur Law Firm states.
Fortunately, both parties were able to come to a resolution.
"As you all probably know, I have recently had a dispute with @makeupforeverus. Protecting my rights and the rights of artists is important to me, and I am happy to report we have reached a confidential resolution," Vlada wrote on Instagram.
"The makeup art of the wonderful @vladamua was an inspiration for our Lustrous 2017 Holiday Special. We have reached a confidential resolution with her and look forward to her continued success," Make Up Forever announced on its Instagram feed.
Vlada's big win is huge for independent artists who are too often pushed around by larger companies that are never brought to justice.
It is rare that individuals have the means and resources to become the proverbial David to the Goliath of massive, well-funded corporations. While the conditions of the resolution remain confidential, based on Vlada's Instagram post, we're glad she is happy with the outcome.
