The complaint
Midenge v. Schlifstein, No. 2:26-cv-12128 (D.N.J.), was filed September 15, 2026, ECF No. 1 (9 pages). Midenge, a Los Angeles celebrity and beauty photographer, demands a jury trial and pleads copyright infringement against Todd Schlifstein.
The work
Midenge alleges she is the sole author and copyright holder of a photograph of Jennifer Lopez looking over her shoulder at the camera, and that she registered it with the Copyright Office with an effective date of registration of September 1, 2022.
What the lawsuit alleges
Midenge alleges Schlifstein is a medical doctor now working as a medical spa business consultant in New Jersey, and, on information and belief, that he owns and operates an Instagram account he uses to promote his services. She alleges that on or about August 17, 2026, she found the photograph in a post on that account about cellulite and available treatments, and that she never authorized the use. She seeks damages and injunctive relief.
On the docket
A summons issued and the case was assigned on September 16, 2026. No response from the defendant appears on the docket through October 30, 2026.