The Notorious B.I.G.’s estate is suing several retailers for selling goods showcasing his image without the proper permission.
Target and Home Depot are among the defendants in a lawsuit filed by photographer Barron Claiborne and the late rapper’s estate. The suit alleges the retailers profited off Claiborne’s iconic 1997 photo of Biggie, titled “The King of New York,” without authorization. Republic Merchandising Inc., which manages Biggie Smalls’ merchandise, has also joined the suit.
According to the filing, the image was captured just days before Biggie was slain in Los Angeles on March 7th, 1997. Claiborne’s famed $6 plastic crown from the shoot later sold for approximately $595,000 at a Sotheby’s auction in 2020.
“Defendants used Mr. Wallace’s persona, name, image, and likeness, as well as several trademarks relating to him, and Mr. Claiborne’s K.O.N.Y. series photographs, for many years, across numerous items, and in multiple ways, without authorization,” the lawsuit states.
It further claims, “Defendants specifically chose to use Mr. Wallace’s persona, name, image, likeness, and related marks in an attempt to capitalize on their fame and extraordinary financial value.”
Additionally, the lawsuit accuses independent art retailer iCanvas of selling unauthorized Biggie-related prints since 2015. The company was contacted in 2023, leading to the removal of some items, though others allegedly infringing on trademarks remain available.
