Coogi, the New York-based clothing brand that late rapper Notorious B.I.G. popularized, is accusing the Brooklyn Nets, Nike, and the NBA of stealing its designs in a new lawsuit.
The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Manhattan federal court, claims the "Brooklyn Camo" pattern featured on the Nets' 2018-19 Nike "City Edition" jersey imitates Coogi's copyrighted designs, according to Priscilla DeGregory and Tamar Lapin of the New York Post.
The Nets wore the jersey during a Nov. 17, 2018 game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Notorious.
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 1, 2018
Introducing our Biggie-inspired 2018-2019 City Edition uniform 🔥
#WEGOBIG pic.twitter.com/Ty6GDXDAZt
Notorious B.I.G. (real name Christopher Wallace) was fond of Coogi's colorful sweaters and rapped about the brand in his songs.
"(The defendants) were well aware that Biggie neither wore nor rapped about anything called 'Brooklyn Camo,'" the lawsuit states. "But they created, marketed and sold and distributed 'Brooklyn Camo' products so as to confuse consumers about the connection between their goods... and Coogi."
Coogi is suing for damages, and for the parties involved to stop selling the apparel.
