Nike Accuses the Shoe Surgeon of Counterfeit and Trademark Infringement in a $60 Million Suit
Nike is telling Dominic “the Shoe Surgeon” Ciambrone just don’t do it.
The footwear company has filed a lawsuit against the sneaker customizer for counterfeiting, mass customization, and trademark infringement, Hypebeast reported on Monday. The Shoe Surgeon is well known for selling bespoke sneakers, some of which play on Nike’s designs but are not approved collaborations with the footwear giant. As such, Nike has decided to take legal action.
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“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,” Nike said in a statement shared with Hypebeast. “It is unfortunate that after many attempts to resolve this matter privately, we’ve had to take legal action against the Shoe Surgeon.”
According to Sneaker & Streetwear Legal Services, a law firm that handles similar cases, Nike is asking the court to stop the Shoe Surgeon from selling counterfeit shoes, offering customization classes that teach others how to create Nike-like sneakers, and using Nike’s intellectual property with his collaborators. Additionally, the company wants compensation for the more than 30 trademarks that the Shoe Surgeon has used to make more than $60 million.
Nike has previously worked directly with the Shoe Surgeon, creating custom sneakers for Nike athletes like LeBron James. The company made clear that it doesn’t have any problems with the official collabs, but it’s hoping to crack down on the Shoe Surgeon unofficially using its designs and IP in his work.
“We valued our relationship with the Shoe Surgeon and do not have any issues with the limited, one-of-one customization he’s been doing for us or his clients, when allowed under Nike-sponsored athletes’ contracts,” Nike said in the statement. “In fact, we value opportunities for our athletes, consumers, and partners to express themselves through their own style and creativity.”
According to a person familiar with the matter, the Shoe Surgeon was in talks with Nike last year about a more extensive deal and partnership. Those discussions, however, fell through and Nike stopped communicating with the Shoe Surgeon. The source added that SRGN Studios was not contacted about Nike’s concerns before the company filed its lawsuit.
“It’s a dream to collaborate with legendary brands. Especially with the brand who tells us to believe in something. Who tells us it’s only crazy until we do it. Tells us the best is yet to come. Tells us to be better. To just do it,” SRGN Studios told Robb Report in an email. “We are confused Nike has chosen litigation over a discussion, but we are confident with proper dialogue and collaboration we can resolve this with the new management team and turn it into a win for the culture.”
Previously, Nike has settled similar cases with other brands like Bape. In that instance, Bape agreed to discontinue some of its sneakers and redesign others, Reuters reported back in April. It’s unclear, though, whether the Shoe Surgeon lawsuit will end in a similar fashion.
This story was updated with new information on July 22, 2024.
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