Nike sues Shoe Surgeon for product piracy and trademark infringement

 Update 22.07.2024

The Shoe Surgeon has now published a statement on Nike's lawsuit via Instagram:

It's a dream come true to work with legendary brands. Especially with the brand that tells us to believe in something. That encourages us that it's only crazy until we do it. That reassures us that the best is yet to come and spurs us on to become even better. Just to do it.

We are confused that Nike chose the process over a discussion, but we are confident that with good dialogue and collaboration, we can resolve this situation with the new management team and turn it into a win for the culture.

Creativity defines us. Our pursuit of greatness is the soul of every creation, and authenticity is embedded in our DNA.

Where there is unity, there is victory.

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Original article 16.07.2024

TLDR: Nike is suing customiser Shoe Surgeon for product piracy and unauthorised use of its brands and is demanding over 60 million dollars in damages. The lawsuit relates to the mass production of counterfeit Nike products and unauthorised customisation courses.

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Nike has filed a lawsuit against well-known sneaker customiser Dominic Ciambrone, also known as Shoe Surgeon, accusing him of making and selling counterfeit Nike sneakers and teaching others how to do the same. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, seeks over $60 million in damages and alleges that more than 30 Nike trademarks have been infringed.

Nike's complaint focuses on the fact that Ciambrone went from limited, one-off customisations to mass producing counterfeit sneakers that mimic popular Nike designs without permission. The lawsuit also highlights the Shoe Surgeon Academy, where Ciambrone teaches others how to replicate Nike's trademark rights, further exacerbating the problem.

Despite previously collaborating with Nike on unique pairs for Nike-sponsored athletes, the Shoe Surgeon is now facing serious legal consequences as a result of these unauthorised activities. Nike claims that these practices mislead consumers and dilute the integrity of the brand by producing and selling sneakers that do not meet Nike's high standards.

In addition to monetary damages, Nike wants to prevent Ciambrone from continuing these practices and causing further damage to its brand and intellectual property. The lawsuit follows a recent case filed by Goyard against the Shoe Surgeon for unauthorised use of its proprietary materials.