Saudi Artist Sues Watch Company For Appropriating His Hajj Etching

Luxembourg's i24 News reports today that Saudi artist Ahmed Mater has filed suit in France's Grand Instance Court seeking $1.5 million in damages against the watch company, Omega.  Mater says that Omega used his photogravure "Magnetism (Photograuve) III" without his consent in an ad for the company's new Seamaster Aqua Terra watch.  Mater's etching-- intended to suggest pilgrims on Hajj moving around the Kaaba-- shows a black cubic magnet surrounded by neat steel filings.  Omega says its intent was to advertise the watch's anti-magnetic properties.  Mater's lawyers say Omega has led the public to believe that Mater is mocking religion.