The saga around the ownership of Microsoft’s iconic Windows XP wallpaper has taken a new turn. It turns out that the famous image was not originally created by Microsoft nor did they have permission to use it as widely as they did. Here’s what unfolded:
Twist in the Tale of Windows XP’s Wallpaper
According to a recent revelation on Twitter by Windows Aesthetics, a popular wallpaper from Microsoft’s 2005 Windows XP Media Center Edition was originally lifted from DeviantArt. The artwork, named “Grassy” by DeviantArt user “Judge” in 2003, became part of what was known as the “Royale” theme for XP.
However, the plot thickens as it was discovered that “Judge” himself had adapted the image from another DeviantArt artwork by “Americanpsycho” titled “Where Are You Going,” posted back in 2002. This leads to a peculiar case of double unauthorized use where the supposed owner of the image had himself appropriated it from another artist without permission.
Interestingly, Microsoft New Zealand was the office responsible for sourcing this image from DeviantArt and integrating it into the “Royale” theme. The exact location depicted in the original wallpaper remains unknown, possibly being a fabricated or heavily edited scene, adding layers of reflections and duplications to enhance its visual appeal.
“Judge” expressed his frustrations on DeviantArt, mentioning his unsuccessful attempts to contact Microsoft for a resolution, receiving no response from the tech giant.
Your Thoughts?
What do you think about this tangled web of copyright and artistic ownership? Share your views in the comments section below.
