Even if you aren’t old enough to have been buying albums in the 1960s, you may know that Andy Warhol’s famous banana image appeared on the cover of the Velvet Underground’s debut album, ‘The Velvet Underground & Nico.’ Did you also know that it included a “Peel slowly and see” sticker? That banana image is now the subject of a trademark infringement suit filed by The Velvet Underground against the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts claiming that it’s been illegally licensed for use on other products. The Velvet Underground’s suit claims that the banana is synonymous with the band’s image.
Warhol also happened to manage the group, which featured, among others, Lou Reed and John Cale. ‘The Velvet Underground & Nico’ happens to be ranked number 13 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
A version of the image is featured on the Foundation’s website under the heading of “View licensing samples” here. Court papers, filed in New York federal court state, “The symbol has become so identified with the Velvet Underground … that members of the public, particularly those who listen to rock music, immediately recognize the banana design as the symbol of the Velvet Underground.” Among the products that now carry the image are iPad covers and accessories. The suit seeks unspecified damages for trademark infringement and unfair competition.
What’s your favorite album cover art?
