Nike is reportedly suing BAPE for allegedly copying the designs of its most iconic sneakers. Based on ReutersThe lawsuit was filed in Manhattan federal court on Wednesday.
Nike lawsuit alleges fashion brand BAPE copied famous sneaker designs | Reuters https://t.co/oTEbLx0YPr
— JP+ (@JPPARTNERSPLUS) January 27, 2023
Lawsuit “Around the copying of Nike’s iconic designs”
According to the source, Nike’s lawsuit “revolving around” BAPE, also known as A Bathing Ape, “copying Nike’s iconic designs.” The lawsuit claims that “Nike owns some of the most valuable brands in the world.” And “commercial apparel designs for the Air Force 1, Air Jordan 1 and iconic Dunk sneakers” were damaged by the sale of the “BAPE STA, BAPE STA Mid, SK8 STA, COURT STA High” sneakers and COURT STA”.
… BAPE STA,
BAPE STA Mid, SK8 STA, COURT STA High, and COURT STA—virtually literal copies of Nike’s Air Force 1, Air Jordan 1, and Dunk sneaker designs.
The lawsuit added that “BAPE is one such copyist whose recent violations have posed a significant danger to Nike’s rights.”
Breakthrough
Nike is suing Bape for trademark infringement and asking for triple damages pic.twitter.com/9nkAl9KFnk
– Nice kick (@nicekicks) January 26, 2023
Lawsuits fueled by strong sales of BAPE footwear in 2021
According to the lawsuit, BAPE began selling its footwear in the mid-2000s. However, Nike notes that sales of the brand’s sneakers in the United States are “infrequent” through 2021 when sales will begin. Their footwear sales “increased significantly in the number and scope of violations.”
Copying by BAPE has always been unacceptable to Nike, and as recent BAPE violations have become a significant danger to Nike’s rights, Nike must act now.
Big Bro’s watching pic.twitter.com/e6n6Qr6KAI
— Legal services on Sneaker & Streetwear℠ (@SneakerLegal) January 26, 2023
In addition, the lawsuit added that high sales of BAPE sneakers caused “confusion among potential customers”. According to the report, Nike “quoted sellers in the secondary market calling the BAPE shoe ‘Air Force 1s’ or ‘Dunks’.”
Based on Reuters, Nikes asked the court to stop BAPE from selling the shoes. And claim an undisclosed amount for damages. Roommate, do you agree with Nike’s stance?
