French electro gods Justice have issued a cease and desist to Justin Bieber for plagiarising their designs

19 March 2021 | 12:22 pm | Emma Jones

French electro duo Justice have issued a cease and desist to Justin Bieber after allegations of plagiarism arose over the popstar's new album art.

The new album from Justin Bieber might be called Justice, but the French electro duo of the same name are seeking exactly that from the popstar after allegations of plagiarism. In a report from Rolling Stone, the duo comprised of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay issued a cease and desist to Biebs over his new album cover, and they are not happy.

Since the release of the cover art back in February, many comparisons between the cover and Justice's own iconic brand designs have been drawn, particularly with the crucifix imagery. This cross is referred to as the "Mark" in the cease and desist letter sent to Bieber and his team, and its use is reported to be illegal. Justice’s co-manager Tyler Goldberg of Jet Management said to Rolling Stone they had heard from "hundreds of people" on the day of Justin Bieber's album announcement, with many going as far to ask if the group were collaborating with the star.

Justice vs Justin Bieber

According to Rolling Stone, the letter reads, "“Your use of the Mark is illegal."

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"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."

Further to this, the band have also claimed that representatives from Justin Bieber's team had reached out to Justice's management in April 2020, asking to be put in touch with the designer who created the Justice "Mark".

Justice are now pursuing "immediate legal action" and are seeking "damages including, but not limited to, punitive and injustice relief.”

Read the full Rolling Stone report here.

Words by Emma Jones

Image: Supplied

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