Artist threatens legal action over unauthorized use of cartoon

Chow, who also works for The New Yorker magazine, told The Guardian that the party had not sought permission to use his artwork, calling it copyright infringement. He expressed disappointment that a party of the Conservatives' standing had not conducted proper due diligence regarding copyright rules.

He first noticed the unauthorized use of his cartoon while watching Sky News, where presenters featured the water bottles and the slogan. Chow stated he was "shocked" and "peeved" by the situation. He has written to the Conservative Party requesting an explanation and an apology, but has not yet received a response. Chow also commented that he found the "bottler Burnham" joke "very childish."

Separately, Chow has also had issues with Reform UK, which used his cartoon in a social media attack advert with an anti-immigration message, a stance the artist does not endorse.

Colin Bell, a partner at the law firm Brabners, described the situation as a "clear case of copyright infringement." He stated that artists' work should not be used, edited, or acknowledged without permission or remuneration. Bell advised Chow on seeking an injunction to cease the use of the infringing works, compensation, and a public apology to protect artists' rights and reputations.