Nike, Inc. has sued MSCHF Product Studio Inc. for infringing and "diluting" its trademark. The sportswear company filed a federal trademark infringement suit Tuesday against MSCHF for selling customized Nike sneakers in collaboration with American rapper Lil Nas X.
The rapper worked with the Brooklyn-based studio on a product called "Satan Shoes." The company released 666 pairs at $1,018 each. The shoes were sold out hours after they went on sale Monday. The shoes are modified Nike Air Max 97s decorated with a pentagram and a reference to Satan's fall from heaven as told in the Bible.
MSCHF said in a product description that each pair contained a drop of human blood in the sole. The blood was provided by MSCHF designers.
These #SatanShoes by #Nike & #LilNasX with 666 and a drop of human blood in the sole is a reason why we Christians must be prayed up ready to battle in the spirit with the Voice of the Holy Spirit. This is evil & heresy and I pray that Christians rise up against this. pic.twitter.com/u7CK3NCIy7 — Pastor Mark Burns (@pastormarkburns) March 27, 2021
Nike said in legal documents that many consumers believed the company was involved in the creation of the design. The company said in a statement earlier in the week it was not involved. However, it says this hasn't succeeded in protecting its brand.
"In fact, there is already evidence of significant confusion and dilution occurring in the marketplace, including calls to boycott Nike in the mistaken belief it authorized or approved this product," Nike said.
Nike said the action would set the record straight and strengthen control over its brand. Nike declined to comment further.
"We don't have any further details to share on pending legal matters. However, we can tell you we don't have a relationship with Lil Nas X or MSCHF," Nike said.
The release of the customized sneakers coincides with the debut of Lil Nas X's latest single titled "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)." In its music video Lil Nas X falls into hell and gives the devil a lap dance.
