Nike and Converse v. Kickrich
Nike and Converse v. Kickrich
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Plaintiffs Nike, Inc. (“Nike”) and Converse Inc. (“Converse” and collectively with Nike,
“Plaintiffs”) for their Complaint against Defendants Jeffrey Waskowiak and KickRich LLC
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
1. Nike and Converse are two of the most successful footwear companies in the world.
Through hard work and significant investment of resources, they have built iconic brands with
sought-after products and experiences. A critical aspect of those efforts has been the development
of distinctive trademarks on which consumers rely to identify their authentic products and
experiences. Nike and Converse maintain strict control over the use of their trademarks in
connection with their products. They carefully manage which brands to collaborate with and
thoughtfully select where, when, and how often their marks are used to guide the public perception
for their iconic brands. But those trademarks, and thus Nike’s and Converse’s brands, face a
growing threat—infringement and dilution by “customizers” who are reselling Nike and Converse
products that have been materially altered in ways the brands have never approved or authorized.
2. These “customizers” include entities, like Defendants, that make and sell what they
call “custom” versions of Nike’s and Converse’s products. Although Defendants’ “custom”
products may use pieces of genuine Nike and Converse shoes, the genuine parts are so altered and
combined with non-genuine parts or other brands’ logos that they can no longer be meaningfully
considered Nike or Converse shoes. Instead, they become new products over which Nike and
3. Defendants, for example, make and sell “custom” footwear products that combine
purportedly genuine Nike Air Jordan 1 soles with uppers fabricated entirely by Defendants,
including reproductions of Nike’s famous Swoosh design and other protected trade dress.
Defendants represent that “every pair is hand-made from scratch in [their] private studio” and
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market each pair for hundreds or up to several thousand dollars each. As just one example,
Defendants promote the “custom” product shown below as the “Custom TERRA Nike Air Jordan
4. Defendants also make and sell “custom” footwear that falsely affiliates Nike with
other brands. For example, Defendants make and sell a footwear product they promote as the
“Custom Prime Nike Air Jordan 1” that falsely affiliates Nike with Amazon. For this product,
Defendants start with a genuine Nike Air Jordan 1 shoe, add a “custom leather lined tongue made
from Amazon Prime bubble mailer packaging,” add “metal eyelets to the eye-stays,” and then
apply Amazon Prime branding in multiple locations on the upper right next to the signature Nike
Swoosh design. Defendants sell these fakes for $850 per pair. An example is shown below.
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mistake, and/or create an erroneous association as to the source, origin, affiliation, and/or
sponsorship of the products. It is Nike’s prerogative to choose who it collaborates with, which
colorways it releases, and what message its designs convey. These considerations are an integral
part of Nike’s branding and quality control over its designs. By applying unauthorized
“customizations” to Nike’s shoes, insinuating collaborations that do not exist and applying
colorways and materials that have not been evaluated against Nike’s quality and design standards,
Defendants have and will continue to cause substantial harm to Nike’s brand and hard-earned
reputation.
6. Defendants’ infringement and dilution does not end there. Defendants also make
and sell laser cut and digital download “shoe patterns” that allow others to make fakes for several
of Nike’s iconic and trade-dress protected footwear styles, including the Air Force 1, the Dunk,
and the Air Jordan 1. Defendants represent that these patterns include “all necessary shapes for
each upper piece, the lining, reinforcements, foams, and heel counter.” In other words,
Defendants’ customers purchase these patterns to make their own fake Nike uppers bearing the
famous Swoosh design and other protected trade dress. Defendants sell these patterns for hundreds
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7. Additionally, Defendants sell other products, such as clocks and stools, that are
prominently emblazoned with Nike’s and Converse’s famous marks, but which were never
manufactured or approved by either company. Examples of these infringing products are shown
below.
origin, unfair competition, and trademark dilution. And the harm to Nike, Converse, and their
brands is significant. These illegal “customizations,” shoe patterns, and other products dilute
Nike’s and Converse’s trademark rights and they confuse, and are likely to confuse, consumers as
to the source, origin, affiliation, and/or sponsorship of the products, especially in the post-sale
environment. In turn, Nike and Converse lose control over their brands, business reputations, and
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considerable. For example, in late March, 2021, a company called MSCHF Product Studio, Inc.
(“MSCHF”) began taking orders for a limited edition of Nike Air Max 97 shoes customized to
prominently feature a satanic theme. Despite significant alterations, including adding red ink and
human blood to the midsole, adding red embroidered satanic-themed detailing, and adding a
bronze pentagram to the laces, the so-called “Satan Shoes” still prominently displayed the Nike
Swoosh design. Almost immediately after the “Satan Shoes” were announced, Nike began
receiving criticism from consumers who believed that Nike was endorsing satanism. Some
consumers even stated they never wanted to purchase Nike products again because of the “Satan
Shoe.”
10. Nike and Converse have no desire to limit the individual expression of creatives
and artisans, many of whom are some of the brands’ biggest fans. But Nike and Converse cannot
allow “customizers” like Defendants to build a business on the backs of their most iconic
trademarks, undermining the value of those marks and the message they convey to consumers. The
more unauthorized “customizations” get manufactured and sold, the harder it becomes for
consumers to identify authorized collaborations and authentic products; eventually no one will
know which products Nike and Converse have approved and which they have not. Nike and
Converse, therefore, bring this lawsuit to stop “customizers,” like Defendants and others, from
making and selling illegal “customizations” of Nike’s and Converse’s products and other products
THE PARTIES
11. Nike is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Oregon with a
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12. Converse is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware with a
principal place of business at One High Street, North Andover, Massachusetts 01845. It is a wholly
Oregon.
14. KickRich LLC is a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State
of Oregon with a principal place of business at 6939 North Macrum Avenue, Portland, Oregon,
97203.
15. On information and belief, Jeffrey Waskowiak is the founding member of KickRich
LLC.
16. This action arises under the trademark and anti-dilution laws of the United States,
15 U.S.C. § 1051, et seq., and under statutory and common law of unfair competition. This Court
has subject matter jurisdiction at least under 15 U.S.C. § 1121 and 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338
because this action arises under federal trademark law. This Court has supplemental jurisdiction
17. On information and belief, this Court may exercise personal jurisdiction over
Defendants at least because Defendant Waskowiak resides in this District, Defendant KickRich’s
principal place of business is located within this District, Defendants do business in this District,
and Defendants have committed acts of infringement at issue in this Complaint in this District.
18. Venue is proper in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391 because Defendant
Waskowiak resides in this District, Defendant KickRich’s principal place of business is located
within this District, Defendants do business in this District, and Defendants have committed acts
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FACTUAL BACKGROUND
I. NIKE
---
19. Nike’s principal business activity is the design, development and worldwide
marketing and selling of athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services.
20. Nike is the largest seller of athletic footwear and apparel in the world.
21. Nike sells its products directly to consumers through Nike-owned retail stores and
digital platforms, and to retail accounts and a mix of independent distributors, licensees, and sales
23. Having distinctive trademarks that are readily identifiable is an important factor in
creating a market for Nike’s products, in identifying Nike and its brands, and in distinguishing
consumer recognition, Nike has developed powerful trademarks rights, including the marks
described in this Section I of the Complaint (collectively, the “Nike Asserted Marks”).
25. Nike maintains strict quality control standards for its products bearing its
trademarks. Genuine Nike products bearing the Nike Asserted Marks are inspected and approved
26. Nike also maintains strict control over the use of its trademarks in connection with
its products so that the company can maintain control over its related business reputation and
goodwill. Nike, for example, carefully determines how many products bearing its trademarks are
released, where the products are released, when the products are released, and how the products
are released.
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27. As part of maintaining control over its brand, Nike has and continues to police and
enforce its trademarks against wrongdoers, including “customizers” similar to Defendants. For
example, Nike recently brought suit against MSCHF for trademark infringement and dilution
resulting from its sale of the “customized” Satan Shoes. See Nike, Inc. v. MSCHF Product Studio,
Inc., Case No. 1:21-cv-01679-EK-PK, Dkt. 1 (E.D.N.Y. Mar. 29, 2021). Like Defendants’
products, the “Satan Shoes” were “customized” Nike sneakers, bearing Nike’s iconic Swoosh
design, with several material alterations applied to the sneakers. Days later, the court granted
Nike’s application for a temporary restraining order, finding that Nike had shown a likelihood of
success as to MSCHF’s trademark infringement and dilution. Id., Dkt. 18 (E.D.N.Y. Apr. 1,
2021).
28. Among Nike’s most iconic assets are its NIKE word mark and the Swoosh design.
29. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has referenced the Nike Swoosh
sometimes buy products bearing marks such as the Nike Swoosh…for the appeal of the mark itself,
without regard to whether it signifies the origin or sponsorship of the product.” Au-Tomotive Gold,
Inc. v. Volkswagen of Am., Inc., 457 F.3d 1062, 1067 (9th Cir. 2006).
30. Nike adopted the NIKE word mark and Swoosh design in 1971 and since then, has
continuously promoted and sold products bearing those marks, including in connection with
31. Nike has also promoted and sold products bearing the NIKE word mark and
Swoosh design in various orientations and placements, including in combination with one another.
In addition, Nike utilizes its iconic Swoosh design in a repeated pattern as part of a Sunburst Mark.
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32. Nike has sold billions of products bearing the NIKE word mark and Swoosh design
33. Nike has spent tens of billions of dollars promoting both NIKE and Swoosh design
34. Nike advertises and promotes products bearing the NIKE word mark and Swoosh
design through a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional means, including print advertising,
35. As a result of Nike’s promotional and sales efforts over the past nearly fifty years,
the NIKE word mark and Swoosh design are among the most famous, recognizable, and valuable
36. The NIKE word mark and Swoosh design have received unsolicited publicity and
praise among consumers and in the media. For example, in 2013, Nike’s Swoosh design was
ranked number one on Complex Magazine’s list of the “Top 50 Most Iconic Brand Logos of All
Time.” 1
37. In addition, the NIKE word mark and Swoosh design have received judicial and
38. Nike has registered the NIKE word mark on the Principal Register of the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office in connection with a wide array of goods and services. Among
others, Nike owns all right, title, and interest in the U.S. Trademark Registrations identified below.
1
Maria Cohen & Morgan Bromell, “The 50 Most Iconic Brand Logos of All Time,” Complex
Magazine (Mar. 7, 2013), available at: https://www.complex.com/life/2013/03/the-50-most-
iconic-brand-logos-of-all-time/.
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39. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1065, Nike’s U.S. Trademark Registration Nos. 978,952,
1,214,930, 1,243,248, and 2,196,735, are incontestable and constitute conclusive evidence of the
validity of the NIKE word mark, Nike’s ownership of the NIKE word mark, and Nike’s exclusive
40. Nike also has registered the Swoosh design on the Principal Register of the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office in connection with a wide array of goods and services. Among
others, Nike owns all right, title, and interest in the U.S. Trademark Registrations identified below.
~
1,323,343 Mar. 5, 1985 Footwear
1,323,342 (.,...-:. _
__..;-- )
Mar. 5, 1985 Footwear
\--:-..:_-::.:__--=.:~:=-:-..:J;I
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41. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1065, Nike’s U.S. Trademark Registration Nos. 977,190,
1,264,529, 1,323,343, 1,990,180, 2,237,852, 1,323,342, 1,238,853, 1,325,938, and 2,534,358 are
incontestable and constitute conclusive evidence of the validity of the Swoosh design, Nike’s
ownership of the Swoosh design, and Nike’s exclusive right to use the Swoosh design.
42. Nike also has registered the Sunburst Mark on the Principal Register of the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office in connection with a wide array of goods. Relevant to this action,
Nike owns all right, title, and interest in the U.S. Trademark Registrations identified below.
-
I Nike Sunburst Marks (Complaint Ex. 3) -
Reg. No. Trademark Reg. Date Goods
Shirts, t-shirts,
~
tank tops, wind
3,826,832 Aug. 3, 2010 resistant jackets,
track jackets,
pullovers, jackets
'
-
~
Aug. 17,
3,833,438 Footwear
2010
43. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1065, Nike’s U.S. Trademark Registration Nos. 3,826,832
and 3,833,438 are incontestable and constitute conclusive evidence of the validity of the Sunburst
Mark, Nike’s ownership of the Sunburst Mark, and Nike’s exclusive right to use the Sunburst
Mark.
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45. Succinctly capturing the tough, sportsmanlike spirit embodied by Nike and its
products, the JUST DO IT tagline became an instant hit, and the JUST DO IT mark was quickly
46. Since that time, Nike has sold tens of millions of dollars of merchandise with the
JUST DO IT mark.
47. Nike has spent hundreds of millions of dollars advertising and promoting its
merchandise using the JUST DO IT mark, often in connection with the signature Swoosh design.
The JUST DO IT mark has been used in a wide array of media, including billboards, television
48. Over the years, Nike has enlisted a wide range of athletes, from NBA stars Michael
Jordan and LeBron James to tennis greats Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal to golf star Tiger
49. As a result of Nike’s extensive sales, advertising, and promotion, the JUST DO IT
mark has become famous in the United States and the around the world. It is among the most
50. The JUST DO IT mark has received widespread acclaim and publicity. As one
article noted on the 25th anniversary of the slogan’s release, JUST DO IT “has achieved what
companies hope for -- a quick line that becomes so well-known it works its way into pop culture.
2
Jeffrey Martin, “After 25 years, ‘Just Do It’ remains iconic tagline,” USA Today Sports (Aug.
21, 2013), available at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2013/08/20/nike-just-do-it-
turns-25/2679337/.
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51. The JUST DO IT mark has received judicial and administrative recognition as a
52. Nike has registered the JUST DO IT mark on the Principal Register of the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office in connection with a wide array of goods and services. Among
others, Nike owns all right, title, and interest in the U.S. Trademark Registrations identified below.
53. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1065, Nike’s U.S. Trademark Registration No. 1,875,307,
is incontestable and constitutes conclusive evidence of the validity of the JUST DO IT mark,
Nike’s ownership of the JUST DO IT mark, and Nike’s exclusive right to use the JUST DO IT
mark.
54. Nike debuted its ACG, short for “All Conditions Gear,” line in 1989 to focus on
55. In connection with its ACG line, Nike has registered the ACG design on the
Principal Register of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in connection with a wide array of
goods. Relevant to this action, Nike owns all right, title, and interest in the U.S. Trademark
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56. Nike launched the ACG brand in 1989, and Nike has continuously and substantially
exclusively used the ACG mark and promoted and sold footwear bearing the ACG mark for many
years.
57. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1065, Nike’s U.S. Trademark Registration No. 2,117,273
is incontestable and constitutes conclusive evidence of the validity of the ACG mark, Nike’s
ownership of the ACG word mark, and Nike’s exclusive right to use the ACG mark.
58. The Nike Dunk sneaker began as a basketball shoe in the 1980s.
59. Nike introduced the Dunk sneaker in 1986 in connection with its College Colors
Program. College basketball players had typically worn single color shoes (e.g., white or black).
But Nike’s College Colors Program offered schools the opportunity to have shoes that mirrored
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their school colors. Nike’s original “Be True to Your School” advertisement for its College Colors
60. Nike’s College Colors Program became wildly popular. At that time in the 1980s,
college basketball was reaching new heights among a wide age range of athletes and fans. From
east to west, rivalries were strong and network TV brought college hoops, and Nike’s Dunk
61. The Dunk sneaker’s adoption and popularity eventually spread beyond basketball
culture as the skateboard community organically adopted the Dunk sneaker making it a skate icon
by the 2000s. From there, the Dunk sneaker crossed over sports and fashion, and today it is
recognized as one of the most iconic and influential sneakers of all time.
62. Nike drove the iconic status the Dunk sneaker enjoys today, in part, through
limited-edition collaborations with designers, artists, and other creatives. For example, in 2005,
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Nike collaborated with Jeff Staple, Founder and Creative Director of Staple Design and Reed
63. Nike released 150 pairs of the Nike SB Dunk Low NYC Pigeon at Reed Space’s
New York storefront. A large crowd camped out hoping to get a pair, the New York City Police
were called, and the release made the cover of the New York Post. The event paved the way for
today’s sneaker culture. In fact, the Nike SB Dunk Low NYC Pigeon has been referred to as the
“sneaker that started it all,” ultimately declaring the birth of sneaker culture.
64. Over the years, Nike has released numerous Dunk sneaker collaborations. For
example, Nike recently released the Nike SB Dunk Low Grateful Dead versions, which feature the
Grateful Dead’s dancing bear logo on the tongue and bear-inspired detailing like faux-fur and
suede. Nike also recently released a Dunk sneaker collaboration with ice cream company Ben &
Jerry’s called the Chunky Dunky. The special edition used the blue sky, green pastures, and cow-
print patterns from Ben & Jerry’s signature packaging and added ice cream drip details to the
Swoosh design to create a playful iteration of the Dunk sneaker. These collaborations, both
released last year, sell on the secondary market for over ten times their original price.
65. Since the launch of the Dunk sneaker in 1986, Nike has continuously and
substantially exclusively used the DUNK word mark and promoted and sold sneakers bearing the
66. Nike has sold tens of millions of Dunk sneakers in the United States, accounting
67. As a result of Nike’s extensive sales, advertising, and promotion, the DUNK word
mark has become famous in the United States and the around the world.
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68. Nike has also registered the DUNK word mark and the Dunk sneaker trade dress
on the Principal Register of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Nike owns all right, title, and
69. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1065, Nike’s U.S. Trademark Registration Nos. 3,780,236,
3,711,303, 3,711,305, and 3,721,064 are incontestable and constitute conclusive evidence of the
validity of the DUNK word mark and the Dunk sneaker trade dress, Nike’s ownership of the
DUNK word mark and the Dunk sneaker trade dress, and Nike’s exclusive right to use the DUNK
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E. Nike’s AIR FORCE 1 word mark and Air Force 1 trade dress
71. The first Nike basketball shoes to feature the Nike Air technology, the Air Force 1
shoes were worn by some of the NBA’s most high-profile players of the era, including the
“Original Six”: Michael Cooper, Bobby Jones, Moses Malone, Calvin Natt, Mychal Thompsen
and Jammal Wilkes. Nike’s original Air Force 1 advertisement featuring the “Original Six” is
reproduced below.
72. Although Nike initially discontinued the Air Force 1 shoes in 1984, demand for the
wildly-popular sneakers continued to soar. Just one year later, the Air Force 1 shoes returned to
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73. Within just a few years, the popularity of the Air Force 1 shoes exploded off the
basketball court too, and the shoe became a favorite of city youth up and down the East Coast.
74. The cachet of owning Air Force 1 shoes was driven in part by Nike’s strategy for
releasing new color combinations of the shoe. During the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Nike sold
the Air Force 1 shoes through hand-selected retail stores instead of its regular catalogue. New
“drops” of the Air Force 1 shoes sold out immediately and became highly coveted items among
sneaker enthusiasts.
75. In the 2000s, globally recognized artists such as Nelly and Jay-Z further solidified
the Air Force 1 shoes in popular culture, referencing the shoes in their lyrics and releasing limited
edition collaborations with their albums. The Air Force 1 shoes’ growing popularity among
globally influential celebrities and music artists propelled it farther beyond sport and into culture.
Nike continued to collaborate with various designers to create much-anticipated limited edition
Air Force 1 styles and colorways. These collaborations and limited-run releases gave the Air Force
1 shoes a coveted level of prestige and helped spread its gospel to new generations and
demographics.
76. Nearly 40 years after its debut, the Nike Air Force 1 shoe has been produced in over
1,700 color combinations, including numerous limited, special, and premium editions. The Air
Force 1 shoe remains incredibly popular and has maintained sales in excess of 800 million dollars
per year.
77. Consumers looking for a specific style or colorway of Air Force 1 shoes are not
limited to the thousands of colorways featured on past Air Force 1 shoes, however. In the mid-
2000s, Nike created NikeiD, which turned consumers into their own collaborators by allowing
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customization of virtually every aspect of the shoes while at the same time ensuring the high-
quality of the sneaker and its materials that consumers had come to expect from Nike products.
78. Today, customers can create their own custom Air Force 1 shoes directly on Nike’s
website through Nike’s “Design Your Own” feature. This feature allows customers to choose the
color of thirteen (13) different portions of the Air Force 1 shoes, and further gives the consumer
the option of choosing between various types of high-quality leathers and rubbers. By offering the
“Design Your Own” feature, Nike offers customers an opportunity to customize Air Force 1 shoes
while maintaining control over the design process to ensure that the quality of the customized
79. For several decades, Nike continuously and substantially exclusively used the AIR
FORCE 1 word mark and promoted and sold sneakers bearing the Air Force 1 trade dress.
80. Nike has sold tens of millions of Air Force 1 shoes in the United States, accounting
81. As a result of Nike’s extensive sales, advertising, and promotion, the AIR FORCE
1 word mark has become famous in the United States and the around the world.
82. Nike has registered the AIR FORCE 1 word mark and the Air Force 1 trade dress
on the Principal Register of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Nike owns all right, title, and
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83. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1065, Nike’s U.S. Trademark Registration Nos. 3,451,904,
3,451,905, 3,451,906, and 3,451,907 are incontestable and constitute conclusive evidence of the
validity of the AIR FORCE 1 word mark and the Air Force 1 trade dress, Nike’s ownership of the
AIR FORCE 1 word mark and the Air Force 1 trade dress, and Nike’s exclusive right to use the
AIR FORCE 1 word mark and the Air Force 1 trade dress.
84. In 1984, Nike signed a contract with then-NBA rookie Michael Jordan, who went
on to become one of the most popular and internationally recognized players in basketball. In the
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decades since, Nike’s partnership with Jordan has led to numerous Jordan Brand products,
including the stalwart line of Air Jordan basketball shoes, and has generated some of the most
85. Nike produced the first Air Jordan shoe in late 1984. The early version immediately
gained notoriety after then-NBA Commissioner David Stern outlawed the shoe and fined Jordan
86. The Air Jordan I was released to the public in the Spring of 1985 and became an
instant hit. Sales of the Air Jordan I topped 50 million dollars in the first month alone and exceeded
87. Throughout Jordan’s prolific NBA career, basketball fans everywhere wanted to
“Be Like Mike” and wear the Air Jordan. Even after Jordan’s retirement, the Air Jordan has
remained the preeminent basketball shoe. The line comprised over half of all basketball shoe sales
in the United States in 2012 and over three-quarters of youth basketball shoe sales that year.
88. The Air Jordan also has featured prominently in popular culture. Director Spike
Lee showcased the shoe in the 1989 film Do the Right Thing. Will Smith’s character on the hit
TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air wore Air Jordans during numerous episodes. Jordan, of
course, wore the shoe in his hit 1996 film Space Jam.
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89. In recent years, Nike has released Air Jordan collaborations with artists like Travis
Scott and fashion designers like Louis Vuitton’s Virgil Abloh and Anna Wintour of Vogue.
90. For over 30 years, Nike has continuously and substantially exclusively used the
AIR JORDAN word mark and promoted and sold sneakers bearing the Air Jordan trade dress.
91. Nike has sold many tens of millions of Air Jordan shoes in the United States,
92. As a result of Nike’s extensive sales, advertising, and promotion, the AIR JORDAN
word mark has become famous in the United States and the around the world.
93. Nike has registered the AIR JORDAN word mark and the Air Force 1 trade dress
on the Principal Register of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Nike owns all right, title, and
94. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1065, Nike’s U.S. Trademark Registration No. 1,370,283
is incontestable and constitutes conclusive evidence of the validity of the AIR JORDAN word
mark, Nike’s ownership of the AIR JORDAN word mark, and Nike’s exclusive right to use the
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95. Nike’s partnership with Jordan also has led to other longstanding marks now
associated with the Nike Jordan brand. The outside ankle of the original Air Jordan shoe bore an
Air Jordan Wings logo that had been specially crafted for the Jordan-inspired model. The Air
Jordan Wings design continues to be a key detail on the Air Jordan’s, featuring prominently on the
front of the Air Jordan XXXII, released in 2017, and on retro re-releases and designer
collaborations.
96. Nike also has registered the Air Jordan Wings design on the Principal Register of
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Nike owns all right, title, and interest in the U.S. Trademark
97. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1065, Nike’s U.S. Trademark Registration No. 3,725,535
is incontestable and constitute conclusive evidence of the validity of the Air Jordan Wings design,
Nike’s ownership of the Air Jordan Wings design, and Nike’s exclusive right to use the Air Jordan
Wings design.
98. The packaging for the original Air Jordan release featured a photograph of Jordan
midair, legs in a ballet jete, and arm outstretched reaching for a slam dunk. The silhouette of that
pose became the iconic Jumpman design mark, which Nike has continuously and substantially
99. The Jumpman design and related JUMPMAN word mark are immensely valuable,
with sales of Jordan Brand products bearing those marks topping 3 billion dollars annually.
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100. Nike advertises and promotes products bearing the Jumpman design through athlete
and team endorsements, traditional print ads, online, and through other media. For example, the
statement uniforms (alternative jerseys worn for big games or rivalry matchups) for the 2020-2021
NBA season feature the Jumpman logo on the right shoulder of the jersey and left leg of the shorts.
101. As a result of Nike’s promotional and sales efforts, the Jumpman design and
JUMPMAN wordmark are instantly recognizable emblems of Nike’s Jordan Brand products. In
fact, on its 30th anniversary in 2018, ESPN described the Jumpman design as “the most famous
102. Nike has continuously and substantially exclusively used the Jumpman design and
103. As a result of Nike’s extensive sales, advertising, and promotion, the JUMPMAN
word mark and Jumpman design have become famous in the United States and the around the
world.
104. Nike also has registered the JUMPMAN word mark, and Jumpman design on the
Principal Register of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Nike owns all right, title, and interest
3
See Darren Rovell, “Jumpman at 30: The story behind the most famous athlete logo in sports,”
ESPN.com (Sept. 26, 2018), available at: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24721980/path-
michael-jordan-logo.
COMPLAINT - Page 26
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 27 of 65
pants, warm-up
suits and tank tops
All-purpose sports
bags and
backpacks;
footwear and
clothing, namely
1,742,019 Dec. 22, 1992
pants, shorts, shirts,
t-shirts, sweatshirts,
tank tops, warm-up
suits, jackets, hats,
caps, and socks
105. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1065, Nike’s U.S. Trademark Registration Nos. 3,627,820,
and 1,558,100 are incontestable and constitute conclusive evidence of the validity of the Air Jordan
Wings design, the JUMPMAN word mark, and Jumpman design, Nike’s ownership of the Air
Jordan Wings design, the JUMPMAN word mark, and Jumpman design, and Nike’s exclusive
right to use the Air Jordan Wings design, the JUMPMAN word mark, and Jumpman design.
106. Moreover, as a result Nike’s extensive, sales, advertising, and promotion of Air
Jordan I shoes, the three-dimensional form and configuration of the high top and low top versions
of Air Jordan I shoes have come to serve as source identifiers for Nike.
107. Additional examples of the Air Jordan I trade dress are pictured below.
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108. In 1988, in conjunction with the release of the Air Jordan III, Nike introduced a
grey and black pattern known as the “Elephant Print” design. The Elephant Print design has since
109. Nike has registered the Elephant Print design on the Principal Register of the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office in connection with a wide array of goods. Relevant to this action,
Nike owns all right, title, and interest in the U.S. Trademark Registrations identified below.
COMPLAINT - Page 28
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110. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1065, Nike’s U.S. Trademark Registration Nos. 4,137,741
is incontestable and constitute conclusive evidence of the validity of the Elephant Print design
mark, Nike’s ownership of the Elephant Print design mark, and Nike’s exclusive right to use the
II. CONVERSE
111. Converse was founded in 1908 as a rubber shoe company. Converse eventually
expanded to producing athletic shoes and then casual footwear. Today, Converse manufacturers,
designs, and sells a wide range of products, including shirts, pants, jackets, bags, hats, and
backpacks.
112. Converse sells its products directly to consumers through Converse-owned retail
stores and digital platforms, and to retails stores in the United States and over 50 international
markets.
113. Converse uses trademarks on nearly all of its products, including the marks
described in this Section II of the Complaint (collectively, “the Converse Asserted Marks” and
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114. Having distinctive trademarks that are readily identifiable is an important factor in
creating a market for Converse’s products, in identifying Converse and its brands, and in
consumer recognition, Converse has developed powerful trademarks rights, including those
described herein.
116. Converse maintains strict quality control standards for its products bearing its
trademarks. Genuine Converse products bearing the Converse marks are inspected and approved
117. Converse also maintains strict control over the use of its trademarks in connection
with its products so that the company can maintain control over its related business reputation and
goodwill.
-----
118. In about 1917, Converse introduced a high-top basketball shoe that would
eventually be named the Converse “Chuck Taylor All Star” shoe. Converse has continuously sold
shoes under the Chuck Taylor All Star name and bearing the Chuck Taylor All Star midsole design
in United States commerce since at least 1946. Around 1962, Converse introduced a low-cut
version of the shoes that used the same Chuck Taylor All Star midsole design as the high-top
COMPLAINT - Page 30
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 31 of 65
version. The outsole design is the same on the high and low styles and has been continuously used
in connection with those shoe designs by Converse since their introduction into U.S. commerce.
The appearance of Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Star shoe designs, including the midsole and
outsole designs are collectively referred to as the “Chuck Taylor Trade Dress.”
119. Converse has sold shoes bearing the Chuck Taylor Trade Dress throughout the
world and in every state of the United States for over a century. Converse sells shoes bearing the
Chuck Taylor Trade Dress through its own retail stores, on the Internet, and through a wide variety
of retailers including, for example, Nordstrom, Kohl’s, JC Penney, Foot Locker, Saks Fifth
Avenue, and independent shoe retailers of all sizes throughout the country.
120. Over the past decade, Converse sold hundreds of millions of pairs of shoes bearing
the Chuck Taylor Trade Dress throughout the United States, and those sales earned Converse
billions in gross U.S. revenue. Since the introduction of the Chuck Taylor Trade Dress, Converse
estimates that worldwide it has sold over a billion pairs of shoes bearing the Chuck Taylor Trade
Dress.
121. Converse has a long history of advertising and promoting the Chuck Taylor Trade
Dress, including in print, on the Internet, on billboards, in videos, and at retail. Converse has spent
hundreds of millions advertising and promoting the Chuck Taylor Trade Dress.
122. The Chuck Taylor Trade Dress is also the subject of unsolicited public attention.
The Chuck Taylor Trade Dress is the subject of books, including Chucks!: The Phenomenon of
Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars, and Chuck Taylor, All Star, where the Chuck Taylor Trade Dress
is described as an icon of American footwear and the most famous athletic shoe in history. The
Chuck Taylor Trade Dress has been featured in newspaper and magazine articles, including a
March 2008 article in The New Orleans Times-Picayune celebrating the 100th anniversary of
COMPLAINT - Page 31
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 32 of 65
Converse, where the Chuck Taylor Trade Dress is described as being essentially the same for
seventy-five years.
123. The Chuck Taylor Trade Dress is the focus of Internet chatter and fan sites such as
chucksconnection.com that celebrate the designs and their presence throughout American culture.
124. Shoes bearing the Chuck Taylor Trade Dress regularly appear in movies and in
television shows and are often seen being worn by celebrities and musicians. Recently, the Chuck
Taylor Trade Dress has received attention as the go-to footwear of Vice President Kamala Harris,
125. Pop culture icons, music groups, and companies from all genres—including John
Lennon, Kurt Cobain, John Varvatos, Metallica, and DC Comics, to name a few—have
collaborated with Converse on special releases of shoes bearing the Chuck Taylor Trade Dress.
126. The Chuck Taylor Trade Dress has become one of the most recognizable, enduring,
and iconic casual athletic shoe designs in history. As a result of Converse’s long-standing use,
advertising, and sales of shoes bearing the Chuck Taylor Trade Dress, and the widespread publicity
and attention that has been paid to it, the Chuck Taylor Trade Dress is famous and consumers have
127. In addition to the Chuck Taylor Trade Dress, Converse has used and promoted a
Chuck Taylor All Star Patch, Chuck Taylor License Plate design, and All Star designs in
128. As a result of Converse’s long and substantial use and promotion of products
bearing the All Star Patch mark, consumers have come to associate these marks with Converse
COMPLAINT - Page 32
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 33 of 65
129. Over the years, Converse has used its Chuck Taylor All Star Patch mark in
connection with its sales and promotion of shoes bearing the Chuck Taylor Trade Dress described
above and other clothing and accessories. For example, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star high
top design often bear the mark of the outside ankle of each shoe. The Chuck Taylor All Star Patch
mark also features prominently on the lower pouch of many of Converse’s backpacks.
130. As a result of Converse’s continuous and exclusive use of the Chuck Taylor All
Star Patch mark, Converse’s substantial marketing and promotion efforts related to this mark, and
Converse’s substantial sales made in connection with these marks, Converse’s Chuck Taylor All
Star Patch mark are famous and consumers have come to associate them as source identifiers of
Converse.
131. Converse has registered the Converse Asserted Marks on the Principal Register of
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Converse owns all right, title, and interest in the U.S.
COMPLAINT - Page 33
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 34 of 65
Athletic shoes of
369,971 Aug. 8, 1939
rubber and fabric
ALL STAR
CONVERSE
2,098,296 Sept. 16, 1997 Athletic footwear
1,146,876
All*SlAR Feb. 10, 1981 Footwear
868,375, 3,175,430, 3,534,741, 369,971, and 2,807,854, are incontestable and constitute
conclusive evidence of the validity of the CONVERSE, CHUCK TAYLOR, and ALL STAR word
COMPLAINT - Page 34
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 35 of 65
marks, Converse’s ownership of the CONVERSE, CHUCK TAYLOR, and ALL STAR word
marks, and Converse’s exclusive right to use the CONVERSE, CHUCK TAYLOR, and ALL
Nos. 1,588,960, 3,258,103, and 4,398,753 are incontestable and constitute conclusive evidence of
the validity of the Chuck Taylor Trade Dress, Converse’s ownership of the Chuck Taylor Trade
Dress, and Converse’s exclusive right to use the Chuck Taylor Trade Dress. Converse has also
obtained a General Exclusion Order from the International Trade Commission prohibiting the
unlicensed entry of all footwear products that infringe Converse’s U.S. Trademark Registration
Nos. 1,138,469, 2,098,296, and 1,146,876 are incontestable and constitute conclusive evidence of
the validity of the Converse All Star Patch, Chuck Taylor License Plate design, and All Star marks,
Converse’s ownership of the Converse All Star Patch, Chuck Taylor License Plate design, and All
Star marks, and Converse’s exclusive right to use the Converse All Star Patch, Chuck Taylor
advertised, and sold “customized” footwear, footwear patterns, and accessories bearing the Nike
Asserted Marks, the Converse Asserted Marks, and/or confusingly similar marks (the “Infringing
Products”). The Infringing Products manufactured, promoted, advertised, and sold by Defendants
have not been authorized by Plaintiffs, nor are Defendants affiliated with or sponsored, endorsed,
COMPLAINT - Page 35
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 36 of 65
genuine Nike and Converse footwear from popular styles, including the Air Jordan 1 and Air Force
1, and the Chuck Taylor All Star, and then, without Plaintiffs’ authorization, altering them in such
a manner that they constitute new, unauthorized products. The materially altered shoes are then
offered for sale to the general public with original Nike and Converse Asserted Marks remaining
intact.
137. For example, Defendants’ website offers the “Custom Prime Nike Air Jordan 1”
shoes depicted below, which Defendants explain are manufactured from a “base pair” of Air
Jordan 1 shoes bearing the Swoosh design and Air Jordan 1 Trade Dress. The base pair is then
altered with “[f]ull custom leather lined tongues made from Amazon Prime bubble mailer
packaging with actual barcodes and QR codes from the packaging [that] are sewn into the shoes.”
Further, metal eyelets are added to the eye-stays and the shoes are painted with Amazon logo and
other material.
138. Such alterations of genuine Nike and Converse shoes are likely to cause confusion
as to Plaintiffs’ approval of the goods, including confusion that Plaintiffs have collaborated with
other brands. Defendants’ alterations to Plaintiffs’ genuine shoe parts also may affect the integrity
COMPLAINT - Page 36
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 37 of 65
of the “customized” shoes, which Nike and Converse have not been able to inspect and evaluate
against their stringent design and manufacturing standards. Given the active secondary market for
Nike and Converse products, in particular Plaintiffs’ limited releases and collaborations, the
especially high.
Footwear “collection” are pictured below next to the Nike Asserted Marks and the Converse
Asserted Marks.
AIR JORDAN
COMPLAINT - Page 37
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 38 of 65
AIR JORDAN
AIR JORDAN
... -~i
.i
COMPLAINT - Page 38
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 39 of 65
AIR JORDAN
AIR JORDAN
COMPLAINT - Page 39
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 40 of 65
CHUCK TAYLOR
CONVERSE
140. Defendants also make and sell laser cut and digital download “shoe patterns” that
can be used to create different sizes of several of Nike’s iconic and trade-dress protected footwear
styles, including the Air Force 1, the Dunk, and the Air Jordan 1. According to Defendants, the
patterns (pictured below) provide “all necessary shapes for each upper piece, the lining,
COMPLAINT - Page 40
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 41 of 65
reinforcements, foams, and heel counter” to allow users to start “making [their] very own custom
...............
are pictured below next to the Nike Asserted Marks and the Converse Asserted Marks.
COMPLAINT - Page 41
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 42 of 65
DUNK
DUNK
COMPLAINT - Page 42
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 43 of 65
AIR FORCE 1
AIR JORDAN
COMPLAINT - Page 43
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 44 of 65
AIR JORDAN
142. On information and belief, Defendants’ customers purchase these patterns to make
their own unauthorized Nike uppers bearing the famous Swoosh design and other protected trade
dress. These unauthorized shoes are likely to cause confusion by those viewing the footwear on
the wearer or if those shoes are later sold as authentic Nike products. Unlike with Nike’s
authorized releases and approved “Nike By You” customizations, Nike has no control over the
colorways, materials, or other logos used in the shoes made from Defendants’ shoe patterns. Thus,
the likelihood of confusion and mistake engendered by the “custom” shoes made from these
templates causes irreparable harm to the goodwill symbolized by Nike’s Swoosh design and Nike
143. In addition to footwear and footwear patterns, Defendants sell clocks and stools
that prominently feature Nike’s and Converse’s famous marks. Defendants’ Accessories are not
genuine Nike or Converse products. Plaintiffs did not manufacture or inspect the Infringing
Products, and they did not authorize Defendants to make, promote, advertise, market, or sell the
COMPLAINT - Page 44
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 45 of 65
pictured below next to the Nike Asserted Marks and the Converse Asserted Marks.
COMPLAINT - Page 45
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 46 of 65
JUST DO IT
COMPLAINT - Page 46
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 47 of 65
ALL STAR
Asserted Marks on these Infringing Products is likely to confuse and mislead prospective
purchasers, purchasers, and those viewing the accessories after sale—for example those who
receive the products as a gift—that the products are manufactured or authorized by Plaintiffs,
146. Defendants promote, distribute, offer to sell, and sell their “customized” footwear,
footwear patterns, accessories, and other products, including the Infringing Products, directly to
COMPLAINT - Page 47
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 48 of 65
end customers through their website GetKickRich.com, which reaches into the United States and
147. Defendants also promote and offer to sell, their “customized” footwear, footwear
patterns, accessories, and other products, including the Infringing Products, directly to end
customers through their Instagram and Facebook pages, and third-party sites such as Etsy.com,
which reach into the United States and this judicial district. A screenshot from Defendants’ Etsy
COMPLAINT - Page 48
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 49 of 65
GetKickRich
Portlill'ld. Oregon
.
Jeffrey
Search items
All
Nike SB Dunk Low Shoe Patt e m - Digit a ... Oi9it... Nike Air Jordan 1 Low Snee Pan~ n • Di... Air Jordan 1 Hign Shoe Pa.t~ n Oi9ital ..
S150.00 FREE ~/lltll)lng $150.QQ FREBl\l~ro) $150.QQ FIUU IIJJ) plng
3Sal!:3
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Air Force 1 Low Sttoe Pcmem - Digital o__ Good Ene"9y Mena Cua.tom Hoody SWe_. Wall aock- Nik-!!- ACG Loso Dea): Cloelc - ClaMiC Nike Logo
$150.QQ FRH ~lll'tlp tng $1JQ.QQ FREE shipp ing $95.QO FRE:£ lhlp,>lng $70.0Q FR.EE ot\lp~
Only 2 't
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Deak Clock · Clauic Nike- Logo De3 k Clock· ClaUJC Nike logo M,.J,:erStool-NikeJu::it Do lt Ma'.<er Stool- Nilce Ju~, Do It
S70.00 FREE "'' Plllrt;J S70.QQ FRH ~n!~ !r-;i $185,0Q FR.EE " UP~~ S185.00 FIi££ ""1~
promote and sell the Infringing Products through their website and Etsy page. Defendants’ use of
infringing marks in connection with the Infringing Products improperly creates associations with
Plaintiffs.
149. Examples of materials used by Defendants to market and sell their Infringing
COMPLAINT - Page 49
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 50 of 65
..,
I I t A+
COMPLAINT - Page 50
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..
COMPLAINT - Page 51
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 52 of 65
COMPLAINT - Page 52
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 53 of 65
get.kickrich • Follow
Portland, Oregon
#kicksology # kickstagram
#sneakerheads #sneakerholics
#hypebeast #complexkicks
#ShoesSoFresh #BecauseSneakers
#SNKRSKickCheck #Kicks0nFire
#NiceKicks #HypebeastSneakers
#ComplexSneakers #Sneakers
#HSKicks #Nike #Sneakerfiles # BrKicks
#(reateAtHome #Design #Art
#uppersneakers #sneakerfreakerfam
#0IY #Minimalmovement
> #igsneakercommunity #instakicks
#justdoit #stools #handmade
23w
153 likes
NOVEMBER 3. 2020
e Q Add a comment...
get.kickrich • Follow
Portland, Oregon
20w
20w Reply
47 likes
NOVEMBER 24. 2020
Q Add a comment...
COMPLAINT - Page 53
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 54 of 65
150. The above are mere examples of Defendants’ infringing uses and other instances of
unlawful infringement abound. Indeed, nearly every post on Defendants’ Instagram, which links
to the GetKickRich.com website and encourages users to “Click the link in bio to shop,” uses
Plaintiffs’ mark.
get.kickrich • follow
Portland, Oregon
3w
get.kickrich #shoemaking Q
#sneakers #shoepatterns
#sneakerpatterns #AJ1 #Jordan1
#sneakerhead · nikepatterns
> #AirJordan 1 #customshoes
#customsneakers #customnikes
#solecollector #kickstagram
#instakicks #igsneakercommunity
#sneakerfreaker #kicksonfire.
#complexkicks #sneakerfreaker
#hypebeast #doityourself #DIV
#highsnobiety #sneakerart
51 li kes
DECEMBER 29. 2020
151. Defendants have created confusion in the marketplace by, among other things,
using Plaintiffs’ Asserted Marks and advertising their Infringing Products as including Plaintiffs’
“classic” or “vintage” logos and slogans. In particular, Defendants use references to Defendant
152. Defendants’ Infringing Products travel in the identical channels of trades and are
sold to identical consumers as Plaintiffs’ genuine products bearing the same or similar marks.
Defendants have, in fact, sold these Infringing Products, including to consumers in the United
States.
COMPLAINT - Page 54
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 55 of 65
153. Defendants’ Infringing Products also will be seen on wearers and users or
potentially in the secondary market by consumers looking to purchase authentic Nike and
Converse products. Observers of the Infringing Products and the footwear made using the
Infringing Products are likely to mistakenly attribute the Infringing Products and fakes made with
154. By virtue of the acts complained of herein, Defendants have created a likelihood of
injury to Plaintiffs’ business reputation and goodwill, caused a likelihood of consumer confusion,
mistake, and deception as to the source of origin or relationship of Plaintiffs’ products and
Defendants’ Infringing Products, and have otherwise competed unfairly by unlawfully trading on
155. Unless stopped, Defendants’ Infringing Products and Defendants’ use of Plaintiffs’
Asserted Marks will continue to cause confusion in the marketplace, including but not limited to
initial interest confusion, post-sale confusion, and confusion in the secondary sneakers markets.
amount to be determined at trial, and such damages will continue to increase unless Defendants
157. Defendants’ acts complained of herein have caused Plaintiffs to suffer irreparable
injury to its business. Plaintiff will suffer substantial loss of goodwill and reputation unless and
until Defendants are permanently enjoined from the wrongful acts complained of herein.
158. Plaintiffs repeat and allege each and every allegation of paragraphs 1 through __,
COMPLAINT - Page 55
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 56 of 65
159. Defendants have knowingly used and continue to use in commerce, without
similar marks, in connection with products manufactured, advertised, promoted, and sold in the
United States, including the Infringing Products. Defendants have used Plaintiffs’ registered
Asserted Marks with the knowledge of, and the intent to call to mind and create a likelihood of
infringement of Plaintiffs’ Asserted Marks; (b) is likely to confuse, mislead, or deceive customers,
purchasers, and members of the general public as to the origin, source, sponsorship, or affiliation
of Defendant or Defendants’ Infringing Products with Plaintiffs or Plaintiffs’ products; and (c) is
likely to cause such people to believe in error that Defendants’ Infringing Products have been
authorized, sponsored, approved, endorsed, or licensed by Plaintiffs or that Defendants are in some
161. Plaintiffs have no control over the nature and quality of the Infringing Products
offered by Defendants, and Plaintiffs’ reputation and goodwill will be damaged – and the value of
Asserted Marks and/or confusingly similar marks. Because of the likelihood of confusion between
Defendants’ Infringing Products and Plaintiffs’ Asserted Marks, any defects, objections, or faults
found with Defendants’ Infringing Products will negatively reflect upon and injure the reputation
that Plaintiffs have established for the products it offers in connection with Plaintiffs’ registered
Asserted Marks. As such, Defendants are liable to Plaintiffs for infringement of their registered
COMPLAINT - Page 56
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 57 of 65
162. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ wrongful acts, Plaintiffs have
suffered, continue to suffer, and/or are likely to suffer damage to their trademarks, business
reputation, and goodwill that money cannot compensate. Unless enjoined, Defendants will
continue to use Plaintiffs’ registered Asserted Marks and/or confusingly similar marks, and will
cause irreparable damage to Plaintiffs for which Plaintiffs have no adequate remedy at law. Thus,
KickRich’s other officers, members, agents, servants, and employees, and all persons acting in
163. Plaintiffs are further entitled to recover from Defendants the actual damages
Plaintiffs have sustained, are sustaining, and/or are likely to sustain as a result of Defendants’
wrongful acts.
164. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117, Plaintiffs are also entitled to recover its costs of suit
165. Plaintiffs repeats and alleges each and every allegation of paragraphs 1 through __,
166. The Nike Asserted Marks and the Converse Asserted Marks are federally registered
and entitled to protection under federal and common law. Nike has extensively and continuously
promoted and used the Nike Asserted Marks and the Converse Asserted Marks for many decades
in the United States and worldwide. Through that extensive and continuous use, the Nike Asserted
Marks and the Converse Asserted Marks have become famous and well-known indicators of the
COMPLAINT - Page 57
Case 3:21-cv-01068 Document 1 Filed 07/19/21 Page 58 of 65
167. To the extent not registered on the Principal Register, the Nike Asserted Marks and
the Converse Asserted Marks are not functional and are well-known indicators of the origin and
similar marks constitutes a false designation of origin that is likely to cause consumer confusion,
Infringing Products by creating the false and misleading impression that Defendants’ Infringing
Products are manufactured by, authorized by, or otherwise associated with Plaintiffs.
169. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ wrongful acts, Plaintiff has
suffered, continues to suffer, and/or is likely to suffer damage to its trademarks, business
reputation, and goodwill that money cannot compensate. Unless enjoined, Defendants will
continue to use Plaintiffs’ Asserted Marks and/or confusingly similar marks and will cause
irreparable damage to Plaintiffs for which Plaintiffs have no adequate remedy at law. Thus,
KickRich’s other officers, members, agents, servants, and employees, and all persons acting in
concert with them, from using Plaintiffs’ Asserted Marks and/or confusingly similar marks in
connection with Defendants and the promotion, marketing, offer to sell, or sale of any Defendants’
products.
170. Plaintiffs are further entitled to recover from Defendants the actual damages
Plaintiffs have sustained, are sustaining, and/or are likely to sustain as a result of Defendants’
wrongful acts.
171. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117, Plaintiffs are also entitled to recover its costs of suit
COMPLAINT - Page 58
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172. Plaintiffs repeat and allege each and every allegation of paragraphs 1 through __,
173. At least the following marks (collectively, the “Diluted Marks”) have become
famous throughout the United States as a result of the duration, extent, and geographical reach of
advertising and publicity, the amount, volume, and geographical extent of Nike’s sales and trading
areas, their channels of trade, their degree of recognition, and registration of the marks:
a. Nike Asserted Marks: the NIKE word mark, the Swoosh design, the Nike
and Swoosh combined design mark, the JUST DO IT word mark, the Jumpman
design mark, the JUMPMAN word mark, the AIR JORDAN word mark, the DUNK
b. Converse Asserted Marks: the Converse All Star Patch design and the Star
in Circle design.
174. Because Plaintiffs’ products bearing the Diluted Marks have gained a reputation
synonymous with fashion, quality, styling, and authenticity, the Diluted Marks has gained
substantial renown. Defendant has used and continues to use in commerce the Diluted Marks or
confusingly similar marks in connection with the advertisement, promotion, and sale of
175. Defendants’ use of the Diluted Marks and/or confusingly similar marks has caused,
continues to cause, and/or is likely to cause irreparable injury to and dilution of the distinctive
quality of the Diluted Marks in violation of Plaintiffs’ rights under 15 U.S.C. § 1125(c).
Defendants’ wrongful use of the Diluted Marks mark is likely to cause dilution by blurring and the
COMPLAINT - Page 59
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176. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ wrongful acts, Plaintiffs have
suffered, continue to suffer, and/or are likely to suffer damage to their trademarks, business
reputation, and goodwill that money cannot compensate. Unless restrained, Defendants will
continue to use the Diluted Marks and/or confusingly similar marks and will cause irreparable
damage to Plaintiffs for which Plaintiffs have no adequate remedy at law. Thus, Plaintiffs are
officers, members, agents, servants, and employees, and all persons acting in concert with them,
177. Plaintiffs are further entitled to recover from Defendants the actual damages
wrongful acts.
178. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117, Plaintiffs are also entitled to recover its costs of suit
179. Plaintiffs repeat and allege each and every allegation of paragraphs 1 through __,
180. Nike was the first to use the Nike Asserted Marks and Converse was the first to use
the Converse Asserted Marks. As a result of Plaintiffs’ continuous promotion and sales of products
bearing Plaintiffs’ Asserted Marks for many decades, Plaintiffs’ Asserted Marks have become
widely known, and Nike and Converse have been identified in the public mind as the manufacturer
of the products to which the Nike Asserted Marks and the Converse Asserted Marks, respectively
are applied.
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181. As a result of the experience, care, and service of Plaintiffs in producing the
products to which Plaintiffs’ Asserted Marks are applied, these products have become widely
known and have acquired a worldwide reputation for fashion, quality, styling, and authenticity.
Moreover, the Nike Asserted Marks and the Converse Asserted Marks have come to symbolize
182. Defendants, with knowledge and intentional disregard of Plaintiffs’ rights, continue
to advertise, promote, and sell products using Plaintiffs’ Asserted Marks and/or confusingly
similar marks. Defendants’ acts have caused, continue to cause, and/or are likely to cause
183. Defendants’ acts alleged herein and specifically, without limitation, Defendants’
use, manufacture, promotion, offers to sell, and/or selling in the United States numerous products
that are confusingly similar to products bearing Plaintiffs’ Asserted Marks, infringe Plaintiffs’
184. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ wrongful acts alleged above,
Plaintiffs have suffered, continues to suffer, and/or is likely to suffer damage to its trademarks,
business reputation, and goodwill that money cannot compensate. Unless restrained, Defendants
will continue to use Plaintiffs’ Asserted Marks and/or confusingly similar marks and will cause
irreparable damage to Plaintiffs for which Plaintiffs have no adequate remedy at law. Thus,
KickRich’s other officers, members, agents, servants, and employees, and all persons acting in
concert with them, from using Plaintiffs’ Asserted Marks and/or any confusingly similar marks in
connection with Defendants and the promotion, marketing, offer to sell, or sale of any Defendants’
products.
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185. Plaintiffs repeat and allege each and every allegation of paragraphs 1 through __,
187. Because Plaintiffs’ products bearing the Diluted Marks have gained a reputation
synonymous with fashion, quality, styling, and authenticity, the Diluted Marks has gained
substantial renown. Defendant has used and continues to use in commerce the Diluted Marks or
confusingly similar marks in connection with the advertisement, promotion, and sale of
188. Defendants’ use of the Diluted Marks and/or confusingly similar marks has caused,
continues to cause, and/or is likely to cause irreparable injury to and dilution of the distinctive
quality of the Diluted Marks in violation of Plaintiffs’ rights under O.R.S. § 647.107. Defendants’
wrongful use of the Diluted Marks mark is likely to cause dilution by blurring and the whittling
189. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ wrongful acts, Plaintiffs have
suffered, continue to suffer, and/or are likely to suffer damage to their trademarks, business
reputation, and goodwill that money cannot compensate. Unless restrained, Defendants will
continue to use the Diluted Marks and/or confusingly similar marks and will cause irreparable
damage to Plaintiffs for which Plaintiffs have no adequate remedy at law. Thus, Plaintiffs are
officers, members, agents, servants, and employees, and all persons acting in concert with them,
JURY DEMAND
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190. Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 38(b), Plaintiffs hereby demand
1. A judgment and order that Defendants have willfully (A) infringed Plaintiffs’
Asserted Marks in violation of 15 U.S.C. §1114, (B) used false designations of origin in violation
of 15 U.S.C § 1125(a), (C) diluted at least the Diluted Marks in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1125(c)
and O.R.S. § 647.107, and (D) violated Plaintiffs’ common law rights in Plaintiffs’ Asserted
Marks.
officers, agents, employees, attorneys, and all other persons acting in concert with Defendants,
distributing, offering for sale, or selling any products (including but not
or to deceive persons into the erroneous belief that any products that
distributing, offering for sale, or selling any products (including but not
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marks;
associated therewith;
d. Engaging in any act which is likely to dilute the distinctive quality of the
3. An order that Nike and Converse are the exclusive owners of the Nike Asserted
Marks and Converse Asserted Marks, respectively, and that such marks are valid and protectable;
4. An order that Defendants be required to deliver to Plaintiffs for destruction any and
all shoes, apparel, digital files, packaging, printed graphics, promotional materials, business cards,
signs, labels, advertisements, flyers, circulars, and any other items in any of their possession,
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custody, or control bearing Plaintiffs’ Asserted Marks, any marks substantially indistinguishable
6. An order that Defendants account to Plaintiffs for any and all profits earned as a
fees; and
10. Granting such other and further relief as is just and proper.
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