Nike sues BAPE for copying famous sneaker designs

Nike Inc sued Japanese fashion brand A Bathing Ape (BAPE) in the Manhattan federal court for allegedly copying some of its most famous shoes, such as Force 1, Air Jordan 1, and Dunk sneakers.

BAPE's designs, says Nike, will confuse potential customers as secondary-market sellers have referred to the BAPE shoes as "Air Force 1s" or "Dunks."

Other than asking for an unspecified amount of money damages, Nike also asked the court to order BAPE to stop selling the shoes.

The shoe giant said BAPE's footwear business "revolves around copying Nike's iconic designs," with some being "near verbatim" copies.

BAPE, which is founded by designer Tomoaki Nagao and owned by Hong Kong-based I.T. Ltd., began selling its products in the US in the mid-2000s.

According to Nike, BAPE sold its shoes sporadically in the US until 2021, when it "drastically increased the volume and scope of its infringement."

BAPE also refused to stop the alleged violations when asked by Nike.