London, September 19 A former Beatles photographer has filed a lawsuit over the copyright for the first publicity snaps of the band.

Albert Marrion turned to court over memorabilia containing copyrighted photos after they were used "without permission" to sell books and DVDs based on the legendary group.

According to the New York Post, the snapper alleged he took the shots, thought to be the first promo ones of the band, in 1961, reports the Daily Express.

The Manhattan federal court said Marrion found the photos were featured "without permission" in four Beatles books and a DVD documentary available from Netflix, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.

Memorabilia dealer Gary Schaeffer, on the other hand, alleged owning the rights to the 16 pictures since 2001. (ANI)