It is perhaps the first truly iconic poster to be produced in the 21st century: the steadfast and upward-looking face of a presidential candidate, produced in a rich combination of just four colors, emblazoned with the word "HOPE." It has come to stand for the new president, Barack Obama; and its artist, poster painter Shepard Fairey, is being honored with awards and even documentary coverage from USA Network.
But now that it's all pretty much done, the Associated Press is claiming it is the rights holder for the photograph on which Fairey's work is based. Though it has not sued Fairey, as other sites are reporting, its attorneys have sent Fairey correspondence which apparently seeks compensation.