The family of Mario de Miranda, a renowned cartoonist and painter, has issued a strong warning of potential legal action against the Chief Secretary of Goa and the organizers of the G20 meetings held in the state. Their claim is that the artist’s work was used without permission during the G20 events, thus constituting an infringement of copyright. Rishaad and Raul Miranda, Mario de Miranda’s sons, expressed their shock at the alleged infringement and highlighted the extensive efforts made by the family to protect and preserve their father’s legacy through the Mario Gallery.
Before Mario de Miranda’s passing in 2011, his family established the Mario Gallery, an institution responsible for managing various aspects related to the artist’s work. These include publishing books, organizing exhibitions, selling original paintings, authenticating pictures, granting permissions for usage, pursuing legal action against violators, and producing merchandise. The family has urged the G20 organisers to engage with the Mario Gallery and acquire the necessary permissions for the use of Mario de Miranda’s artwork. Additionally, they have granted the Mario Gallery the authority to take legal action against any violators of the artist’s copyright.
Gerard da Cunha, the curator of the Mario Gallery, has announced that a legal notice will be issued to the Chief Secretary of the Goa government and the nodal officer for the G20 meetings, specifically regarding the alleged copyright infringement. Cunha has provided specific instances of the infringement, including the unauthorized use of a Miranda painting on a tile placed inside a miniature window, which was presented as a gift to VIPs. He also mentioned the use of 16 life-size fiberglass statues displayed in Old Goa and Dona Paula, which were copied from figurines created by Mario de Miranda. Cunha emphasized that these are the violations they have identified so far, and there may be more. He stated that the organizers should have obtained prior permission for such usage.
Sanjit Rodrigues, the nodal officer for the G20 meetings in Goa, responded by stating that they have conducted their due diligence and will respond appropriately to any legal notice served to them. The Chief Secretary of Goa, Puneet Kumar Goel, mentioned that he would investigate the matter before providing any further comments.
Mario de Miranda, who began his artistic career as a newspaper cartoonist and later became known for his famous illustrations and other works of art, passed away in 2011 at his ancestral home in Loutolim village, South Goa, at the age of 85. In recognition of his contributions, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours, in 2012.
The family of Mario de Miranda has taken a firm stance against the alleged unauthorised use of the artist’s work during the G20 meetings in Goa. They have threatened legal action and emphasized the importance of obtaining prior permission to use his artwork. The Goa government and G20 organisers are now potentially facing legal consequences for the alleged copyright infringement.
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