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Nike is reportedly suing BAPE for allegedly copying the designs of its most iconic sneakers. According to Reuters, the lawsuit was filed in a Manhattan federal court on Wednesday.
According to the outlet, Nike’s lawsuit “revolves around” BAPE, also known as A Bathing Ape, “copying Nike’s iconic designs.” The lawsuit states that “Nike owns some of the world’s most valuable trademarks.” And its “trade dress designs for its iconic Air Force 1, Air Jordan 1, and Dunk sneakers” have been compromised by the sale of the “BAPE STA, BAPE STA Mid, SK8 STA, COURT STA High, and COURT STA” sneakers.
… the BAPE STA,
BAPE STA Mid, SK8 STA, COURT STA High, and COURT STA—are near verbatim copies of Nike’s Air Force 1, Air Jordan 1, and Dunk sneaker designs.
The lawsuit adds that “BAPE is one such copyist whose infringements have recently grown to become a significant danger to Nike’s rights.”
According to the lawsuit, BAPE began selling its footwear in the mid-2000s. However, Nike noted that US sales of the brand’s sneakers were “sporadic” until 2021 when its footwear sales “drastically increased the volume and scope of its infringement.”
BAPE’s copying is and always has been unacceptable to Nike, and because BAPE’s infringements have recently grown to become a significant danger to Nike’s rights, Nike must act now.
In addition, the lawsuit adds that the high sale of BAPE sneakers causes “confusion among potential customers.” Nike reportedly “cited secondary-market sellers who referred to the BAPE shoes as ‘Air Force 1s’ or ‘Dunks.'”
According to Reuters, Nikes has asked the court to stop BAPE from selling the shoes. And requested an undisclosed amount of money for damages. Roommates, do you agree with Nike’s stance?
