Statik and Agam Buchevat Initiate Legal Action Against Urbanika Fashion Chain
Overview of the Lawsuit
Israeli artists Statik and Agam Buchevat have launched a legal campaign against the Urbanika fashion chain. Gaga Booking, the agency representing the duo, has filed a lawsuit in the Small Claims Court in Kfar Saba, seeking 400,000 shekels. The lawsuit alleges unauthorized use of the artists’ images even after the termination of their contractual agreement with the brand.
Allegations of Contract Violation
According to the filed complaint, Urbanika reportedly displayed images and posters of Statik and Agam Buchevat in a mall in Be’er Sheva, despite the official end of their partnership. Gaga Booking claims that this action constitutes a breach of contract, misleading advertising, and reputational harm to the artists. They assert that this is not the first instance of Urbanika allegedly misusing their images. Previously, similar claims were made regarding the use of Statik’s images alongside another artist, Ben-El Tavori, after their contract had also concluded. At that time, Urbanika attributed it to an “innocent mistake” and maintained that it did not intend to utilize Statik’s likeness further, a claim that now appears questionable, according to Gaga Booking.
Urbanika’s Response
In response to the allegations, Urbanika has categorically rejected the claims made in the lawsuit. A company representative stated that the lawsuit is an “unfounded attempt to turn minor technical matters into artificial legal disputes.” Urbanika further clarified that if any use of the images occurred, it was due to isolated, start-time errors, or actions carried out by third parties without the company’s knowledge or control.
Details of the Contract
The lawsuit revealed significant details regarding the agreement between Statik and Urbanika. Statik was engaged as a brand ambassador starting in 2021, alongside his professional ex-partner, Ben-El Tavori. Following their split announced in August 2022, Urbanika continued their collaboration with both artists for a while. However, by early 2023, the company opted to replace Tavori with Buchevat and formally concluded the partnership with both artists a year ago.
Under the terms of their agreement, Statik was compensated 400,000 shekels for a year-long campaign, which included commitments such as participating in eight photo shoots lasting approximately 12 hours each, attending launch events and public relations efforts, promoting his song “Cubes,” and engaging extensively on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The contract also included a conduct clause, committing the artists to wear the brand’s products when possible, alongside an additional payment of 25,000 shekels for the use of a song he created. A specific clause stipulated that the inclusion of additional leading artists in the brand’s campaigns would require Statik’s personal approval.
Conclusion
The ongoing legal dispute between Statik, Agam Buchevat, and Urbanika underscores the complexities of contractual agreements in the entertainment and fashion industries. As the case progresses, it raises questions about the usage rights and protections for artists in promotional settings.
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