Nike Sued By Van Halen!
Eddie Van Halen, lead singer of ‘80s hair metal band Van Halen, has sued Nike. The now short-haired rockstar claims that Nike’s red, black and white Dunk looks too much like his famous axe, the Frankenstein and his merch shoes, based on the Frankenstein. EVH cites “irreparable harm and damage,” and is asking for the impoundment and destruction of all the shoes in question, as well as all profits from the sale of the shoes and damages.
Nike said it was aware of the lawsuit but did not believe it had any merit. Footwear News quotes Nike as saying “Based on the information provided to us, we have not infringed on any rights held by Mr. Van Halen,” it said. “Nike’s Dunk shoe design is not substantially similar to any of the Van Halen designs, and Nike has not referenced the ‘Van Halen’ name or image as part of any marketing campaign or promotional material associated with the shoe.”