NIKE FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST THE SHOE SURGEON - JULY 15, 2024

Nike has filed a lawsuit against prominent sneaker customizer Shoe Surgeon, also known as Dominic Ciambrone, accusing him of operating an "illicit 'Nike' empire."

Nike claims that Ciambrone has been creating counterfeit “Nike” sneakers, selling them as officially branded products, and teaching others to do the same, which the company asserts is illegal and misleading to consumers.

Initially, Nike valued its relationship with Ciambrone and had no issues with his limited, one-of-a-kind customizations for them or their clients. However, the company alleges that Ciambrone has started to mass-produce unauthorized "Nike" sneakers that do not meet their standards.

Nike is seeking legal action to stop Ciambrone’s activities, protect its brand, and prevent him from teaching others to create counterfeit “Nike” sneakers. The company is pursuing damages for over 30 trademarks, amounting to more than $60 million, and is also seeking triple the profits earned from counterfeiting, along with attorneys’ fees.

Ciambrone has not yet responded to the lawsuit.

This lawsuit marks a significant development in Nike’s ongoing battle with sneaker customizers. The outcome remains to be seen.

Consumers should be cautious of counterfeit sneakers, as they may not be made with the same quality materials as authentic ones and may lack durability and warranties.

When buying custom sneakers, it’s important to research and ensure the seller is reputable. Checking with Nike to confirm if a customizer is authorized to sell Nike products is also advisable.

Nike has a history of protecting its brand and intellectual property and has sued other customizers in the past, indicating that such actions will likely continue.

The lawsuit against The Shoe Surgeon underscores Nike's commitment to protecting its brand and intellectual property and serves as a warning to consumers to be careful when purchasing custom sneakers.

Nike’s official statement is below: