By The Malketeer
Zacharevic Takes on AirAsia in Legal Showdown
When Penang-based Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic painted the iconic Children on a Bicycle mural on a Penang wall, he probably didn’t imagine it would one day find itself in the centre of a courtroom drama.
Now, this beloved piece of street art, which captures the whimsy of childhood, is at the heart of a legal battle between Zacharevic and budget airline AirAsia.
In a move that has raised eyebrows across creative communities, Zacharevic alleges that AirAsia used his artwork without permission—not once, but multiple times.
What was supposed to be a celebration of art and culture has now turned into a case study on the importance of intellectual property rights.
A Clash of Creativity and Corporate Power
Zacharevic’s statement reveals a tale of persistence and frustration.
After allegedly spotting his artwork on AirAsia’s aircraft livery last November, he approached the airline to seek a resolution.
His requests? Simple—proper credit, consent, and fair compensation.
Yet, according to Zacharevic, the airline’s response fell short.
“AirAsia has now declared its final offer, leaving me with no choice but to pursue legal action to protect my rights,” the artist is quoted in a Free Malaysia Today (FMT) report.
This isn’t the first time the airline has been allegedly accused of using his work without consent, and the repeated nature of these incidents has forced Zacharevic’s hand.
Why Every Artist Should Be Paying Attention
Beyond his personal grievance, Zacharevic’s fight has broader implications.
He warns of the dangerous precedent this sets: a world where brands feel entitled to use art without proper permissions.
“This repeated behaviour sends a damaging message that artists’ work can be used freely, without regard for intellectual property rights,” he said.
In an era where creative content fuels branding and marketing, this case highlights a glaring issue—how the commercial world often undervalues artistic contributions.
For artists and creatives, Zacharevic’s fight isn’t just about a mural in Penang.
It’s about respect, fairness, and ensuring the boundaries of intellectual property are upheld in a digital age where images travel faster than ever.
A Call to Action for Creatives
Zacharevic’s case serves as a rallying cry for creatives to take ownership of their work and demand accountability when lines are crossed.
As artists continue to lend soul and character to campaigns, brands must do their part by treating creatives as collaborators, not afterthoughts.
This isn’t just a battle over a painting on a wall; it’s a fight to protect the integrity of art as a profession.
Creatives, take note—your work is your legacy, and it deserves to be treated with respect.
Note: Curated from a report in FMT
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