Prague has suspended the issuance of the limited MHD Lítačka card due to copyright issues

Prague - Passengers in Prague's public transport can no longer obtain the Lítačka limited edition card issued for the 50th anniversary of the metro's operation. The reason is a possible violation of copyright. This is based on information published today on the website pidlitacka.cz. The cards feature a well-known design of the wall tiles from line A's metro stations. According to Hospodářské noviny, heirs of architect Jaroslav Otruba approached the transport company (DPP) and Prague, whose company Operátor ICT (OICT) manages the card, stating that the design was used in violation of copyright. DPP began issuing the cards on June 17. DPP stated that the issuer is OICT. Councilor Daniel Mazur (Pirates), who oversees OICT, stated that the city is not aware of any violation of copyright.

"Dear customers, from June 25, 2024, we are temporarily suspending the issuance of the limited edition Lítačka card issued on the occasion of 50 years since the start of operation of the Prague metro. We decided on this step in connection with possible uncertainties regarding copyright," it says on the Lítačka website.

The Lítačka team stated that they are working to ensure that people can obtain the limited card as soon as possible again. Until now, it was available for purchase at counters in the Škodův palác building on Jungmannova street and at selected DPP counters.

The design of the limited edition Lítačka was based on the appearance of the wall tiles designed by the chief architect of the Prague metro, Jaroslav Otruba. The tiles are characteristic of line A. The operator had 20,000 cards produced. "OICT decided to temporarily suspend issuance to verify compliance with copyright. In any case, we are not aware that there has been any violation," Mazur stated.

Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates) said it is absurd that DPP cannot place a photo of its own building on its card. "It is as absurd as if passengers in public transport had to pay daily when riding the metro for enjoying 'boobs' and 'anti-boobs,'" he stated.

HN reported that the company's and city's lawyers were approached by the daughter of architect Otruba, Vítězslava, who urged them to stop issuing the card, as it violates copyright. If they do not comply, she would go to court. "As you are well aware of who is the author and holder of the rights, the Lítačka edition featuring the tile design according to architect Otruba's proposal can be considered a conscious disregard for copyright," HN quoted the heir’s lawyer, František Vyskočil.

Lítačka started operating in 2016, replacing the opencard. Now, people can also purchase tickets through the app of the same name.