Artist of famed Obama poster arrested

Police in Boston in the US said the artist famous for his "Hope" posters of US president Barack Obama has been arrested on outstanding warrants.

Shepard Fairey was in Boston on Friday for his new exhibit at the Institute of Contemporary Art.

Police Officer James Kenneally said the department had January 24 warrants alleging the Los Angeles artist tagged property with graffiti.

Fairey's Obama image has been sold on thousands of stickers and posters. It is the subject of a copyright dispute with The Associated Press.

Fairey argues that his use of the AP photo is protected by "fair use", which allows exceptions to copyright laws.