The forthcoming Joy Division box set is at the centre of a Transatlantic plagiarism row.
Long associated with Joy Division, Peter Saville’s artwork is almost as well known as the band’s music. His stark, Modernist style remains a touchstone for anyone who wants to become associated with the post-punk period.
Still a hugely respected designer, Peter Saville recently assisted in creating the new England top. His recent projects also include a touching tribute to his late friend Tony Wilson, designing a beautiful new headstone for the one time Factory impresario.
Recruited to design the cover for the new Joy Division box set, Peter Saville’s submission has caused some controversy. ‘+ -‘ is due to be released later this year, collecting a number of seven inch releases.
An overview of the band’s career, it was compiled by the journalist Jon Savage. Saville’s art work is in keeping with the group’s aesthetic, given that he design the covers for the majority of their releases.
However Washington DC based indie label Teenbeat Records have stepped forward to claim that the design for ‘+ -‘ is not entirely original. Pitchfork reports that the label have taken legal steps against the release of the box set.
Teenbeat has a band on their roster called + – and they contend that the new art work is too similar to the group’s own logo. Specifically, the imprint point to the cover of +/-‘s 2002 Teenbeat album ‘Self-Titled Long-Playing Debut Album’.
In a Facebook posting the label said: “American media company Teen-Beat and New York-based rock band +/- {Plus/Minus} have filed suit against Rhino Records U.K., Warner Music, and Peter Saville Associates in the High Court of Justice, London (U.K.) for trademark infringement and plagiarism.”
Make up your own mind by viewing the Peter Saville design HERE and the Teenbeat design HERE.
Note – it has been brought to our attention that the ‘+ – ‘ symbols were initially used in the ‘Atmosphere’ video, and subsequently reproduced on a Joy Division single during the 80s.
