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Shannah Stern Sues Heritage Auctions Over Stolen Monroe Negatives

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Shannah Stern, Bert Stern's widow, filed a copyright infringement claim against Heritage Auctions in Manhattan Federal Court.
The suit, filed in Manhattan Federal Court, alleges Heritage Auctions sold stolen negatives of Marilyn Monroe's final photos for more than $900,000.
The claim seeks $150,000 in damages for 1,527 images and demands disclosure of buyers and profits.
Heritage Auctions denies wrongdoing, stating that selling film negatives does not infringe copyright.

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Story summary

Shannah Stern, Bert Stern's widow, filed a copyright infringement claim against Heritage Auctions in Manhattan Federal Court.
The suit, filed in Manhattan Federal Court, alleges Heritage Auctions sold stolen negatives of Marilyn Monroe's final photos for more than $900,000.
The claim seeks $150,000 in damages for 1,527 images and demands disclosure of buyers and profits.
Heritage Auctions denies wrongdoing, stating that selling film negatives does not infringe copyright.