Bronze sculpture reproductions have long been a contentious topic in the art world, sparking numerous legal battles over copyright, authenticity, and intellectual property rights. One of the most notable cases involved the estate of Auguste Rodin, which has repeatedly sued foundries and dealers for unauthorized reproductions of his iconic works like "The Thinker." Courts often grapple with determining whether a reproduction is a legitimate limited edition or an illegal copy.

Another high-profile dispute centered on the works of Edgar Degas, where a foundry produced posthumous bronze casts from original plasters. Descendants and art scholars argued these lacked the artist's intent, leading to lawsuits over misrepresentation. Similarly, the Giacometti Foundation has aggressively pursued legal action against unauthorized reproductions of Alberto Giacometti's slender figures, emphasizing the importance of artist authorization.

The rise of 3D scanning technology has further complicated matters, with recent cases involving digital replicas of public domain sculptures being sold as "original reproductions." These legal conflicts highlight the delicate balance between preserving artistic legacy and allowing reasonable access to cultural heritage. As bronze reproduction techniques evolve, courts continue to shape the boundaries of art copyright law in this multimillion-dollar market.