A New York jury has awarded $102.2 million in damages to the Morgan Art Foundation in a long-running copyright and forgery case against art publisher Michael McKenzie. The jury found that McKenzie created unauthorized and altered versions of works by Pop artist Robert Indiana, including multiple iterations of Indiana's iconic LOVE prints and sculptures, as well as works such as *The Ninth American Dream* (2001), *USA FUN* (1965), and a sculpture titled *BRAT*. The lawsuit, which began in 2018 shortly before Indiana's death at age 89, alleged that McKenzie and others sought to isolate the artist and profit from selling forged works. McKenzie's lawyer indicated he may appeal.
The resolution of this case matters because it addresses serious concerns about authenticity and market integrity in the art world, particularly regarding the estate of a major American artist. The verdict reinforces the legal protections available to foundations and rights-holders against unauthorized reproductions that can damage an artist's legacy and market value. The case also highlights ongoing issues of exploitation and control surrounding aging artists, as documented in journalist Bob Keyes's book *The Isolation Artist*. With the Star of Hope Foundation now collaborating with the Morgan Art Foundation to convert Indiana's former home into a public art space, and Pace Gallery representing the Robert Indiana Legacy Initiative, the outcome helps clarify the future stewardship of Indiana's body of work.