In 2017, the NBA debuted their new Nike City Edition jerseys for all 30 teams. The alternate jerseys were a big hit, earning instant praise and flying off the racks nationwide. The Brooklyn Nets, in particular, have one of the more popular alternates. Their trim around their City Edition jerseys was inspired by rapper Notorious B.I.G. and the vibrant sweaters he was known to wear in the 90s.
Fans and players alike love the look. But one group isn't so happy — the Australian brand Coogi that designed the original sweaters for the rapper. On Wednesday, the company filed a lawsuit against the league and the Nets. Their suit also targeted jersey companies Nike, New Era, and Russell Brands, per Joshua Espinoza of Complex:
Though it was a nice sentiment, Coogi claims the Nets did not receive proper authorization to use their pattern and is now taking legal action against the team, as well as the NBA, Nike, New Era, and Russell Brands.
“While other colorful and ornamental sweaters have and continue to exist, the highly distinctive and ornamental designs of COOGI sweaters and apparel have become exceedingly famous,” Coogi said in the lawsuit.
According to TMZ, the fashion company is suing for damages and is demanding the franchise to stop selling the Brooklyn Camo gear, which includes T-shirts, hoodies, beanies, keychains, slides, and backpacks.
Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher George Latore Wallace and known to many as ‘Biggie,' often mentioned Coogi in his songs. He referenced the iconic brand in “Big Poppa” (1996) and “Hypnotize” (1996), two of his most famous songs.
Wallace was raised in Brooklyn. He was tragically murdered in a 1997 drive-by shooting in Los Angeles. He was only 24 years old.
Follow Us
Subscribe