Manhattan Photographer Sues 2 Georgia Clothing Companies For Illegally Using His Images Of Aaliyah

The photographer, named Eric Johnson, filled a lawsuit in Manhattan Federal Court, stating that Fvmous Clothing and Renasia Couture are using the photos without his knowledge and consent. Both companies are under Palmetto.

Checking on Fvmous website, a baseball-style, button-down shirt is priced for $60 which almost covers the entire front space with Johnson's photo of the star which straightly starts on his lense. Aside from that, a fvmous sweatshirt could also be found online with Aaliyah's image being shown in front. Added on the list is a T-shirt with "Are You Somebody?" giving the singer's playful pose with her over-the-shoulder glance.

Johnson stated that the images are from his shoot on June 2001. They were captured in priceless and timeless post of the famous Brooklyn-born singer and superstar. According to NYDailyNews, the photographer made those shots to keep Aaliyah's enduring portrait among the public's eye and for devoted fans to see.

Aaliyah was made famous through her voice and her acting skills. She started young in entertainment industry at 10. Her amazing songs have sold millions of copies in United States. Her untimely death made everyone shocked. The airplane explosion took 8 lives including the superstar.

Although, the photographer at 49 have licensed some images from that Aaliyah's shoot, other photos are kept in his private, personal archive. Only few of it were distributed for commercial purposes after the shoot.

The suit stated that Johson's lawyer have contacted the two clothing companies regarding this matter. He asked for the distribution and printing of the photos to be stopped. After few conversations, the companies refused to stop. In addition to their conversation, Fvmous and Renasia have told the photographer's lawyer that they were selling the business, this time, to a Chinese company.

Newsfuzz cited that until now, the clothing companies namely, Fvmous Clothing Co. and Renesia have not responded to their requests.

Johnson is renown to take great pictures of some celebrities. He has a portfolio of some portraits with Notorious B.I.G. And the famous Lil' Wayne and many others. The lawsuit did not specify the amount of the damages.