SYDNEY, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- U.S. rap superstar Jay-Z has brought legal proceedings against a small Australian company, saying that a number of their products including children's book, "AB to Jay-Z", infringe on his trademark and copyright ownership.
Founder of online retailer The Little Homie, Jessica Chiha, said on Thursday that she plans to fight the legal challenge, despite the company being, "unbelievably disappointed to find ourselves caught in a legal battle with someone whose music we love and adore," according to Nine Media.
As well as other children's books like, "First 50 Words with 50 cent" and "123 with the Notorious B.I.G", the company also sells branded t-shirts displaying famous rap lyrics and the images of famous rappers.
In a statement of claim filed to the Federal Court in the Australian State of Victoria last week under Jay-Z's real name, Shawn Carter, the rapper said that a number of the company's products made use of his likeness and brand, as well as infringing the copyright of his song, "99 Problems", according to Nine Media.
Carter's lawyers have reportedly sent cease and desist notices to The Little Homie on a number of occasions since 2017, however they assert that the breaches continued.
The company's products also came under fire in the past as an example of cultural appropriation, with a social media interaction where Chiha chose not to disclose her race being shared widely with the intention of discrediting her and the company.
Chiha claims that she created the products to help children learn in a unique and fun way, which adults can also enjoy.
"I created these books as a fun and different way for mums and dads, aunts, uncles, god parents and even grandparents to try something new with their kids...and to engage them on a different level with something that resonates," she said.
The proceedings are scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 6.