Artist wins court decision over University of Alabama

TUSCALOOSA — A federal judge has ruled that artist Daniel Moore did not violate trademark laws by painting scenes of University of Alabama football without licensing the work through the university.

The university sued Moore in 2005, alleging that he painted scenes of Crimson Tide football games without permission and reissued licensed prints without paying royalties.

Moore denied violating trademark laws and claimed his art is speech protected by the U.S. Constitution.

U.S. District Court Judge Robert Propst, in an opinion issued Monday, rejected the university’s argument that Moore’s paintings showed trade dress. Propst said the depiction of uniforms is incidental to the purpose of the paintings.

Moore called the ruling a victory for artists. A spokeswoman for the university says an appeal is planned.