Public Service Media (PSM) has informed Maldivian designer and 3D artist Hussain Niyaz that they are prepared to defend themselves in court, following allegations that the state broadcaster used his artwork without permission.
The dispute centers on a 3D illustration of a traditional fish (Bodumas) used by Television Maldives (TVM) in its branding for this year’s Eid-al-Adha coverage. Posting on Facebook, Niyaz claimed this marks the second time the state media has misappropriated his work.
"I did not grant TVM permission to use this whale shark. These are very disheartening actions; my work must have value. TVM is an entity that has never supported any of the work I do in this field," he wrote on May 27.
Niyaz, who is also a skilled typographer known for designing Dhivehi fonts, noted that while he has no issue with his free-to-use fonts being utilized, payment is required for illustrations used without prior authorization.
After Niyaz formally raised the matter with PSM via email, he shared the company’s response on Facebook.
In an email sent to Niyaz, PSM’s legal department stated that should he seek legal recourse through the courts, the company is confident in its ability to mount a successful defense.
"For a company like TVM to steal the work of an ordinary designer and then continue to deny it and offer excuses in court... Welcome. I ask for the support of as many people as possible," Niyaz wrote.
In addition to PSM, Niyaz highlighted that several other parties have also used his illustrations without consent, sharing the relevant posts to express his ongoing concern over intellectual property theft.
