Sleep Token Accused of Copyright Infringement: Photographer Claims Their Image Was Used on Official Merch Without Permission
British metal band Sleep Token is facing accusations of copyright infringement. Professional concert photographer Laura Ioana V claims that one of her photographs was used on official Sleep Token merchandise without her consent and without a licensing agreement.
According to the photographer, the image was taken on June 15, 2023, during the band’s performance at the Copenhell Festival in Copenhagen. In 2024, according to Ioana, the photo appeared on a collectible souvenir coin (Ritual Coin) sold at concerts during Sleep Token’s European tour, particularly in Frankfurt am Main.
Ioana stated that she did not give permission for commercial use of the photograph, did not transfer rights, and did not sign any contracts with the band, management, or merchandise team. She also said that her attempts to contact the responsible parties over an extended period were unsuccessful.
The situation became public after the photographer posted about it on social media, emphasizing that using an image for commercial purposes without the author’s consent is a direct violation of copyright, and expressing disappointment that her professional work was used without proper respect or transparency.
After the post, representatives of Sleep Token’s management contacted the photographer. According to Ioana, discussions about resolving the conflict began, though early compensation offers were unsatisfactory. No official agreement between the parties had been reached at the time of publication.
This is not the first case where Sleep Token has been involved in disputes related to intellectual property. Earlier in 2024, a UK tattoo artist had her social media account blocked after a claim from the band’s management and RCA Records. The claim was later withdrawn, but the incident drew attention from both fans and creators.
Currently, Sleep Token, their label, and management have not issued official public statements regarding the allegations. Nevertheless, the incident continues to be discussed in music media and among fans, highlighting the importance of protecting photographers’ and artists’ copyrights in the music industry.
The case emphasizes how sensitive the issue of visual content usage for commercial purposes remains, especially regarding concert photography, where boundaries between promotion, fan content, and licensed material are often blurred.
