Nike Sues The Shoe Surgeon For Over 60 Million Dollars

This morning, @Sneakerlegal on Twitter broke the news, revealing that Nike's complaint centers around accusations that The Shoe Surgeon has been creating counterfeit Nike sneakers from scratch, misleading consumers into believing that these customs are officially affiliated with Nike. The complaint highlights that while Nike did allow The Shoe Surgeon to engage in "a few limited prior engagements" for one-off customizations, there was no licensing agreement that permitted his current activities.

Nike's official statement shared with Sneaker News emphasizes the company's commitment to consumer protection: "Our goal is to make sure consumers are not misled and have access to authentic NIKE, Inc. products that are authorized and created according to our high standards with the performance benefits they expect." The statement also mentions Nike's previous attempts to resolve the issue privately, which culminated in a cease and desist letter sent in August 2023 specifically addressing his Nike/Goyard customs.

The lawsuit also references a recent case involving luxury brand Goyard, suggesting that it might have influenced Nike’s decision to take legal action. Nike asserts that not only is Ciambrone selling counterfeit products, but he is also teaching others to create fake Nike sneakers, which they claim "deceives consumers and creates confusion in the marketplace around source, authenticity, and quality of Nike products."

While Nike acknowledges the value of limited, one-off customizations that The Shoe Surgeon has performed under Nike-sponsored athletes' contracts, the broad scope of his current operations has forced them to pursue legal channels to protect their brand and intellectual property.

This lawsuit raises concerns within the broader community of sneaker customizers, concept designers, and creators. It highlights the potential legal risks for those who modify or create new designs based on existing Nike products, even if those modifications are done artistically or as personal expressions. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how sneaker customizations and intellectual property rights are viewed in the industry moving forward.

While we look for more details, make sure to keep your eyes locked onto our official twitter for new updates.