Nike has filed a lawsuit against The Shoe Surgeon, a custom sneaker business based in Los Angeles, seeking over $60 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, accuses The Shoe Surgeon of trademark infringement and counterfeiting of Nike products.
The Shoe Surgeon, led by founder and CEO Dominic Ciambrone, is well-known for customizing high-end sneakers, including those of NBA superstar LeBron James. However, Nike alleges that the company has been using its trademarks without authorization and creating counterfeit items. The complaint highlights that The Shoe Surgeon has sold these counterfeit products through various channels, including online platforms and physical stores in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.
Nike’s legal team, represented by DLA Piper, argues that The Shoe Surgeon has engaged in “egregious” trademark infringement and willful counterfeiting. The lawsuit claims that the custom sneaker business has used Nike trademarks in unauthorized brand collaborations, including projects with eBay and Ruffles. Additionally, Nike contends that The Shoe Surgeon has offered online classes teaching participants how to create counterfeit Nike footwear.
This lawsuit is part of Nike’s broader effort to crack down on brands that counterfeit their products by customizing them. The legal action underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property rights in the fashion and sports industries. If successful, the lawsuit could set a precedent for how custom sneaker businesses operate and collaborate with major brands.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for both Nike and The Shoe Surgeon. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the court addresses the complex issues of trademark infringement and counterfeiting in the context of custom sneaker businesses.
