Ansel Adams Trust Sues Over Garage Sale Negatives

Action taken to fight 'scam photos,' says director
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 24, 2010 2:22 AM CDT
Ansel Adams Trust Sues Over Garage Sale Negatives
Rick Norsigian holds up a photograph made from a glass negative he claims were shot by the late photographer Ansel Adams.   (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

The surprise discovery that negatives bought for a pittance at a garage sale might be by Ansel Adams is turning into more of a headache than a treasure. The famous photographer's trust is suing the California man who bought the glass negatives, charging trademark infringement and false advertising, and demanding a portion of any profits, reports AP. Experts hired by Fresno buyer Rick Norsigian determined the negatives were taken by Adams, but the trust insists it's a scam.

"I'm sure Ansel never would've imagined a scam on this scale," said trust managing director Bill Turnage. "I never thought it would come to this, but we have to do our duty to protect his work and reputation." Norsigian's attorney said the action was intended to "harass" his client.
(More Rick Norsigian stories.)

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