Faith Evans And Biggie Smalls’ Mom Are Reportedly Suing This Company...
In another case of copyright and permissions involving the prized image of late New York rap legend Notorious B.I.G., his mother Volletta Wallace and R&B-soul songstress (and ex-wife) Faith Evans are headed to court against a snowboarding company, The Blast reports.
The site reportedly uncovered court documents holding that Wallace and Evans’ Notorious B.I.G. LLC company filed against a Swiss snowboard merch company named Yes. Snowboards. According to the complaint, The Blast explains, the company has been selling Big’s image on their products without permission nor paying for the images. Thus, Wallace and Evans will seek an injunction against Yes. Snowboards calling for any profits made from the currently sold merch and unspecified damages.
The Blast explains that Notorious B.I.G. LLC was created by the ladies after Big’s death as a means to properly manage his intellectual rights, such as the use of his name, face and likeness. Additionally, Evans and Wallace assert that Big’s estate secured a deal with another third-party company, The Blast states, and the snowboards could potentially compromise that contract.
“At a time where fame and popularity for musicians comes and goes on an accelerated time scale, it is hard to quantify the power – both emotional and financial – of a musician whose brand and persona are still appreciated, recognized, and replicated more than two decades after his death,” The Blast reports of the suit’s statement.
Currently, the snowboards with Biggie’s image have been removed from the website.
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