Nike continues to take legal action over customizers and designers after filing a patent over its Air Jordan 1, Nike Dunk, and Air Force 1 designs. Since the patent, brands such as Warren Lotas and others have been either shut down or forced to create different designs that stray away from any similarity to Nike, Inc.’s franchise models.
The latest lawsuit, which was filed on August 26, targets renowned designer John Geiger and La La Land, a manufacturer for custom sneakers such as Warren Lotas’ Dunks.
“Like Warren Lotas, John Geiger has attempted to capitalize on the strength and fame of Nike and its Air Force 1 trade dress by making, promoting, advertising, marketing, and selling in the United States footwear bearing the Air Force 1 trade dress and/or confusingly similar trade dress” the lawsuit states.
John Geiger responded to the claims on August 27 via an Instagram posting stating that ” I’ve been very clear throughout the 2 years of developing and selling the GF-01 that this silhouette was inspired by Nike and also made sure that anyone purchasing the shoe is aware it is a designer shoe crafted with higher materials and quality along with my trademark and changes to the silhouette.”
Geiger also states that he followed trade dress guidelines by creating his own mold for the GF-01 outsoles, the JG branded trademark, and a changed pattern.
Geiger has created a loyal following since launching his brand in 2017.
Stay tuned to SoleSavy as the lawsuit and the story develops.
