Notorious B.I.G. Estate Sues Target, Home Depot Over Unauthorized Photo Prints

The estate of The Notorious B.I.G. and photographer Barron Claiborne have filed a lawsuit against Target, Home Depot, and others for selling unauthorized prints of the iconic photo titled 'The King of New York,' taken just days before the rapper's death in 1997. The lawsuit claims these retailers profited from using Biggie's image without permission, asserting that they exploited his fame for financial gain. Claiborne's photo, featuring Biggie with a plastic crown, has become highly valuable, with the crown itself selling for $595,000 at auction in 2020. While Target and Home Depot reportedly removed the infringing products in 2023, other retailers, including iCanvas and Bed Bath & Beyond, continue to sell them. The legal complaint highlights a broader issue of copyright infringement concerning deceased artists and their intellectual property rights. The plaintiffs emphasize that the use of Biggie's likeness and persona was done without authorization, violating both his and Claiborne's rights.