The late Chi Modu photographed the late Notorious B.I.G. in front of the World Trade Center, and these photographs remain amongst the most iconic for both parties. Now, the estate of The Notorious B.I.G. has asked a Los Angeles judge to stop Modu's widow Sophia Modu from selling merchandise bearing Biggie's image and likeness, claiming it violates their rights to publicity.

Biggie's estate (Notorious B.I.G., LLC--which was established by Biggie's mother Voletta Wallace and his widow Faith Evans) accuses Modu of licensing Biggie's likeness on snowboards, t shirts, shower curtains and NFTs.

The estate says that although Modu is the registered copyright owner of the images, B.I.G.'s likeness and image appears on the photographs and subsequent merchandise, which infringes on Notorious B.I.G., LLC.

“Mr. and Mrs. Modu have caused and will continue to cause irreparable injury to B.I.G. by diminishing the reputation of the Biggie brand," The estate claims. "Including the value of future endorsement and number of partnership opportunities available to B.I.G.”

Both Jay-Z and Nas have had recent legal issues with photographers and the ownership of their images.