A federal court in Michigan has dismissed a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by artist Tyrrell Winston against the New Orleans Pelicans, citing a lack of personal jurisdiction. Winston alleged that the NBA team replicated his distinctive art style in their social media posts, particularly during the 2024 Media Day, where players were photographed against backdrops featuring deflated basketballs arranged in grids—a motif central to Winston’s work.
Winston initiated the lawsuit on July 30, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The Pelicans responded on October 9, 2025, by filing a motion to dismiss, arguing that the court lacked personal jurisdiction and that Michigan was an improper venue for the case. They contended that the alleged infringing activities occurred outside Michigan and that the team did not have sufficient contacts with the state to warrant jurisdiction.
The court agreed with the Pelicans’ argument, emphasizing that Winston failed to establish a substantial connection between the team’s conduct and the state of Michigan. Consequently, the case was dismissed on jurisdictional grounds.
This decision underscores the importance of establishing personal jurisdiction in copyright infringement cases, particularly when the defendant’s alleged actions occur outside the plaintiff’s home state. Legal professionals should note the necessity of demonstrating a clear link between the defendant’s activities and the chosen forum to avoid dismissal on such grounds.