Lil Nas X‘s limited-edition satanic-themed Air Max 97 shoes have been removed from the market after a judge sided with Nike in its lawsuit against the shoe’s designer, MSCHF Product Studio. Lil Nas X himself is not being sued.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nike filed a trademark lawsuit against the design company for creating confusion in the marketplace and “altering” its Air Max 97 sneakers without permission. This was followed by a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, also filed by Nike.
In a letter to the judge, MSCHF’s attorneys argued that Lil Nas X’s shoes were “not typical sneakers, but rather individually-numbered works of art that were sold to collectors for $1,018 each.” They contended that these will be displayed in artistic collections instead of being worn by everyday individuals, and that brand confusion won’t occur due to the intelligence of the buyers.
Nike argued that the general public is boycotting the company due to its incorrect association with the shoe and that it had “submitted evidence that even sophisticated sneakerheads were confused.” “We have submitted numerous evidence that some consumers are saying they will never buy Nike shoes ever again,” said Nike’s attorney.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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