Nike and Converse file sweeping trade mark infringement lawsuit against 1200+ websites and social media accounts

On Tuesday the 12^th of January, Nike and owned-company Converse filed a complaint in the United States District Court alleging 589 websites and 676 social media accounts have manufactured and marketed counterfeit, infringing products in an attempt to capitalise on some of the brands popular trade marks.

The complaint states that each of the websites in question have or were within the past twelve months, advertising and selling counterfeit products from either brand to customers in the United States; The defendants’ products not only copied designs, patterns and colourings of popular products, but also expressly labelled the counterfeit goods as being genuine Nike/Converse products, also utilising the brand names across both websites and advertising on social media. This, they claim, has caused undoubtable confusion for consumers who are informed to believe the products are associated with the fashion and sportswear giants and genuine.

Furthermore, the complaint added they believe the defendants are offering and advertising the products not only within the US, but extending across 41 other foreign jurisdictions.

This follows Nikes ongoing litigation with Skechers, as well as with designer Warren Lotas, settled only last month, which saw Nike sue Lotas on a variety of counts, including unfair competition and trade mark infringement and dilution. In 2014, Converse also launched a similar lawsuit defending their trade marked Chuck Taylor sneakers against 30+ companies, including Walmart and global fashion brand H&M.

By Ellie King, student from Southampton Solent University