US rapper Jay-Z has filed a legal dispute against local book retailer, The Little Homie.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports Jay-Z, aka Shawn Carter, has taken legal action claiming The Little Homie, owned by Jessica Chiha, was "deliberately and knowingly" using his likeness and lyrics to profit in a "flagrant, glaring" way.
The Little Homie is an online retailer which stocks a number of children's books including the title in question, A B To Jay-Z, and a colouring book of the same name, among others like 1 2 3 With The Notorious BIG, ABC/DC and First 50 Words With 50 Cent.
Previously the company found itself in the midst of a cultural appropriation scandal that led to calls for a boycott.
Carter filed documents in Victoria's Federal Court last Friday 22 November, and according to Sydney Morning Herald alleged "the book traded on use of his likeness and brand as well as infringing on copyright of lyrics in his hit single 99 Problems".
The book retails for $34.95, however, is currently 50% off for Black Friday sales.
It features a number of famous rappers including Biggie Smalls, Marshall Mathers, Pharrell and Snoop Dogg within its alphabet and a quote on its back page which reads, “If you’re having alphabet problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but my ABCs ain’t one."
Chiha's lawyers, Mills Oakley, have yet to file a defence but confirmed to The Music they are representing The Little Homie.
”The case against our client is legally misconceived and will be vigorously defended," Chiha's lawyer and Mills Oakley partner, James Lawrence, told The Music.
The first case management hearing is scheduled for 6 December.
