Italian Government and German Puzzle Maker Clash Over Rights to Reproduce Leonardo da Vinci’s “Vitruvian Man”
In a modern-day battle over centuries-old art, the Italian government and German puzzle maker Ravensburger are at odds over the reproduction rights to Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic “Vitruvian Man.” The dispute centers around Italy’s cultural heritage code, which allows for concession fees and payments for the commercial reproduction of cultural properties, like the famous drawing.
Ravensburger had been selling a 1,000-piece puzzle featuring the image of “Vitruvian Man” for over a decade until the Italian government and the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice demanded the company cease sales and pay a licensing fee in 2019. Ravensburger refused, leading to a legal battle that culminated in a Venice court ordering the company to pay a penalty for each day of delay.
However, a recent ruling by a German court sided with Ravensburger, stating that Italy’s cultural heritage code did not apply outside of Italian territory. The court argued that the code conflicted with European Union law, which exempts works in the public domain, like “Vitruvian Man,” from copyright protection.
The Italian government has vowed to challenge the German ruling in every possible court, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the country’s cultural heritage while also seeking to monetize it. Intellectual property law experts warn companies using Italian cultural heritage pieces to proceed with caution, as the legal landscape remains uncertain.
Critics of Italy’s aggressive approach to protecting cultural works warn that it could deter legitimate companies from producing high-quality goods depicting iconic Italian art, potentially diminishing Italy’s global cultural influence. As the legal battle continues, the fate of “Vitruvian Man” and the broader implications for the art world remain uncertain.
