An attempt by the Brooklyn Nets to honor hometown rapper Notorious B.I.G. with multi-hued jerseys, similar to one of Biggie’s iconic sweaters, hasn’t gone over as planned.
According to reports, Coogi has slapped Nike and The Brooklyn Nets with a lawsuit, for using their trademarked design on a jersey the team wore on November 17, to honor B.I.G.
Coogi, Biggie Smalls' favorite sweatshirt brand, is suing the Nets https://t.co/3ExSHkiEHK pic.twitter.com/zcQSpTQgMd
— New York Post (@nypost) February 28, 2019
The all-black uniforms are highlighted by the controversial Coogi-themed, multi-color “Brooklyn Camo” pattern that runs the down the sides of the jersey and shorts and along the sleeve and neckline piping.
“[The defendants] were well aware that Biggie neither wore nor rapped about anything called ‘Brooklyn Camo,” the lawsuit reads, according to The Post. “But they created, marketed and sold and distributed ‘Brooklyn Camo’ products so as to confuse consumers about the connection between their goods and Coogi.”
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.
The Nets have worn the uniform in question a dozen times since their debut on November 17th, the most recent game was last Thursday against Portland. They’re still scheduled to wear them again tomorrow against the Charlotte Hornets.
