Nike suing MSCHF over Satan shoes and 4 Spanish wineries accused of DOP infringement

Good morning everyone. Hope you had a good week. Let’s dive into this week’s IP news. 

Nike suing MSCHF over Satan shoes

Within hours of MSCHF dropping 666 pairs of its blood-infused “Satan Shoes,” this controversial footwear is at the centre of a lawsuit. Indeed, Nike filed a trademark infringement and dilution, false designation of origin, and unfair competition lawsuit in the U.S., alleging that MSCHF is currently taking orders for shoes (they are all sold out) it refers to as “Satan Shoes” (because they are infused with human blood…), which are customised Nike Air Max 97 shoes that MSCHF has materially altered to prominently feature a satanic theme without Nike’s approval or authorisation.  

Why? Well, according to Nike, although MSCHF legally acquired 666 pairs of Nike Air Max 97, these sneakers, although bearing Nike’s Swoosh, have been customised in such a manner that they constitute new, unauthorised products. 

What are the modifications?

• adding red ink and human blood to the sneakers’ midsole
• adding red embroidered satanic-themed detailing
• adding a bronze pentagram to the laces
• adding a new sock liner and renaming the shoe.

In addition, Nike considers that MSCHF is taking advantage of Nike’s reputation and customer goodwill by preserving the Nike swoosh on the Satanic shoes, which is likely to cause consumers and potential customers to believe that MSCHF’s Satan Shoes are associated with Nike when they are not. Apparently, consumers are already associating the Satan shoes as a launch approved by Nike, and some have called for a boycott because of this launch, therefore, damaging Nike’s reputation and income.

4 Spanish wineries accused of DOP infringement 

The Spanish “Audiencia Nacional” is investigating whether four big wineries were selling wines under the Valdepeñas DOP, although these did not comply with the quality requirements. Apparently, the investigation covers the sales of DOP Valdepeñas wines between 2010 and 2019, when the accused wineries sold vintage, reserve and high-quality wines while these did not comply with the processing requirement, ageing period or stay period in oak barrels or bottles (requirements set if you want to be able to use the Valdepeñas DOP). 

The investigation is currently ongoing and we will keep an eye on It. 

This is all for this week’s news. See you Thursday for our monthly blog post.