Eddie Van Halen Sues Nike
- Posted on Jun 17th 2009 10:20AM by John D. Luerssen
- Comments (105)
Eddie Van Halen is suing Nike over claims that the footwear giant used the trademarked red, white and black stripe design found on his guitars since 1978 on their new line of "Dunk Lows" sneakers. Court papers filed on behalf of Van Halen's company, ELVH Inc., allege Nike infringed on his copyright without "consent, approval or license."The federal lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles last week , contends Nike is doing "irreparable harm and damage" to his signature design. In 2001, Van Halen trademarked the striped color scheme that he has displayed on the body of his "Frankenstein" electric guitars for three decades.
Van Halen is seeking general and punitive damages, all profits arising from the sales of "Dunk Lows" and a permanent injunction halting production of the shoes. The suit is also reportedly calling for "the impoundment and destruction of all footwear."
Earlier this year, Van Halen released his own line of men's high and low top sneakers, featuring the Frankenstein design. The Nike shoes feature red, white and black streaks along the midsole.
In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson from Nike told Footwear News that the company was aware of the lawsuit but didn't believe it had merit. "Based on the information provided to us, we have not in fringed on any rights held by Mr. Van Halen," the company 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."





Reader Comments(1 of 6)
ramongoldenat 6-18-2009
Riiiiigggghhhhhhhtttttt!!
missrock1018at 6-18-2009
I agree completely with MrmrK01: I had the chance to see them in the last tour with Sammy & we had the best Seat? in the house, thanks to a very Great guy I know who designed the stage. We were right in the middle of the stage!
Eddie is a Guitar God !!!!!!!!!!!!
Bernadette......
pkhall1at 6-18-2009
Van Halen is right actually. Google nike dunk low, and there is a model of shoe (there are lots of dunk low designs--) that has the Frankenstein look to the whole sole of the shoe...I believe it is the Nike dunk low NYX??? I think...pretty blatant rip off if you ask me. It is the only one that I saw though of many designs that did that.
lorileeblackat 6-18-2009
i did as pkhall1 sugessted and looked at the nikes by googleing that kind and i think they just look like red white and black nikes. not really like the guitar referenced.
pkhall1at 6-18-2009
check out this site
http://www.411mania.com/music/news/107639/Van-Halen-vs.-Nike.htm
Joseph Tat 6-18-2009
yeah right!!!! hilarious!!!! van halen is washed up...he needs a quick buck...Nike don't give in to this clown!
mrmrkw01at 6-18-2009
Washed up?You've got to be kidding.Have you seen him
in concert lately?I'm not even a big fan of Van Halen
and I was just blown away by his performance.
ScamN2at 6-18-2009
What's your beef with VH ?
You must be an aspiring guitarist with no talent, and extremely jealous of one of rockdom's greatest.
I doubt VH is lacking for cash, He has always been very shrewd and a good businessman.
You are the clown my friend.
eaglesat 6-18-2009
van halen is not washed up can u play guitar like him probably fuckin not so back off the legend
dawnparkerat 6-18-2009
what ever dude, van halen will always rock!!!
eskieme1970at 6-19-2009
van halen sux! no respect for them- hope they end up playing at state fairs.
dtenoreat 6-19-2009
Joseph T, eskieme;
You're more idiotic than the spammers.
Too bad clueless losers like you have a say on these boards
vampyressanitaat 6-19-2009
I agree with you, he is washed up and I never liked his guitar playing in the first place and the shoes in no-way look like his guitar design!
Titinflat 6-18-2009
You go Eddie...He is a amazing talent..and Joseph if you think he is washed up I think you need a office visit with your shrink..Its quite evident you dont listen to rock and roll or ever listen to anyone who knows anything about rock and roll or you wouldnt of made such an uneducated remark...The man is a talent not to be equaled by very many in the industry. He was smart enough to get his trade mark for the logo. Eddie I wish you all the best dude...Rock On....
Joseph Tat 6-18-2009
He's WASHED up. We should all call him "Bozo" the clown! Rap Music Forever!
darren zarkovichat 6-18-2009
rap is easy, rock is hard.
markat 6-18-2009
rap is like disco its sucks too
bloozman33at 6-18-2009
rap is typoed....was meant to be called CRAP....
Nisrineat 6-18-2009
he is AN amazing talent.
not a amazing talent.
:b grammar errors annoy me.
sorry. (:
mitchptdat 6-18-2009
Just another has been trying to stay in the public eye.