Target is embroiled in a legal battle over the unauthorized use of The Notorious B.I.G.’s image. The rapper’s estate, Republic Merchandising, and photographer Barron Claiborne have filed a lawsuit against the retail giant and others, accusing them of profiting from Biggie’s likeness without permission. At the center of the dispute is Claiborne’s iconic 1997 “King of New York” portrait, captured just days before Biggie’s tragic death.
According to the lawsuit, Target sold merchandise featuring the legendary image and other trademarked Biggie branding through a third-party vendor. The case primarily targets iCanvas, an Illinois-based company specializing in canvas prints, alleging it played a key role in distributing unauthorized artwork.
The company allegedly supplied retailers, including Target, The Home Depot, Beyond, and Nordstrom, with more than 100 infringing Biggie-related designs—many incorporating Claiborne’s photograph.
The lawsuit claims iCanvas allowed independent artists to upload designs featuring Biggie’s likeness without verifying rights, effectively turning its platform into a hub for copyright infringement. By handling distribution, marketing, and order fulfillment, iCanvas allegedly enabled major retailers to profit from Biggie’s image while bypassing licensing agreements.
The complaint also asserts that Target and its co-defendants actively marketed and sold the unlicensed merchandise, falsely suggesting an official connection to Biggie’s estate. In 2023, after representatives for the rapper’s estate intervened, Home Depot, Nordstrom, and Target removed the infringing items. However, the estate never received a financial accounting of how many were sold.
The lawsuit states, “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.” Despite prior warnings, Beyond allegedly continued offering the products even after being notified of their unauthorized status.
Although Biggie’s estate and Claiborne have worked to remove the infringing items, at least three versions featuring the “King of New York” image remain available through iCanvas.
Now, Target and its co-defendants face serious legal claims, including unfair competition, false advertising, trademark infringement, right of publicity violations, and copyright infringement. The Notorious B.I.G. lawsuit underscores a broader issue of major retailers profiting from the legacies of iconic artists without securing proper authorization.
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