A Sussex artist is suing a Turner Prize nominee, claiming he has copied his work.

Lawyers for sci-fi artist Anthony Roberts, of East Dean, near Eastbourne, have issued the writ against Glenn Brown at the High Court in London.

It follows Mr Brown's futuristic entry in last year's Turner Prize which they say bore a resemblance to a book jacket designed by Mr Roberts in 1974.

The huge painting, entitled The Loves of Shepherds 2000, is similar to the cover for the best-selling novel Double Star by Robert A. Heinlein. Mr Roberts was paid £180 for his design.

Amanda Willis, of his legal firm Finers Stephens Innocent, said: "As the artist Tony Roberts owns the copyright, which he can sell if he wants, but in this case he didn't. Anyone using it without his authorisation has infringed copyright."

Mr Roberts is seeking damages which could run into thousands of pounds and an injunction on Mr Brown preventing him from reproducing his painting and preparatory sketches.

He also wants compensation for 2,500 postcard reproductions of the painting which were on sale at the Tate Britain Gallery in London.

Lawyers for Mr Roberts have asked the High Court to consider claims that Mr Brown has sold The Loves of Shepherds 2000 for £30,000.

Solicitor Mark Stephens and Kevin Garnett QC are representing Mr Roberts. Both are experienced in dealing with artistic copyright.

Ms Willis, who is working with Mr Stephens, said: "At the end of the day money is not the point.

"The whole basis of Glenn Brown's work is playing with elements of other pieces of work. We believe in this case it is simply a step too far."

The two artists met last November at Tate Britain at the award, which was won by German photographer Wolfgang Tillmans.

Then Mr Roberts said he had at first been flattered at the similarity between the work, but his mood had since changed to anger.

He said: "I am not being given the credit I am due. It shows me a complete lack of courtesy."

The row sparked a debate in the art world as to what is plagiarism and what is inspiration.

Mr Brown has made his name in the art world by borrowing designs from paintings and sculptures. At the awards he said he was stung by the furore. He said: "I'm a fan of all the artists I refer too."

Mr Brown and his California-based art dealer were unavailable for comment.