Warner Bros. Pics will digitally erase the tattoo from Ed Helms’ face in the DVD and Blu-ray versions of ”The Hangover Part II” if it can resolve its legal dispute with an artist claiming copyright infringement. The studio was sued by a Missouri tattoo artist who claims he owns a copyright on the unique tattoo worn by former boxer Mike Tyson and Ed Helms in “Hangover II”.
The tattoo’s owner tried to stop the film’s release but was denied a preliminary injunction. The “Hangover II” has since grossed $350 million worldwide and counting. The case has continued and a U.S. District Judge has set a jury trial date for Feb. 21, 2012. At issue is whether to award the artist a permanent injunction against the film’s distribution and/or damages for copyright infringement. Warners plans to whitewash the tattoo from the movie after its theatrical run, if a deal isn’t reached.
