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Fans anticipating the long-awaited Reebok Big Hurt retro release probably won’t be sporting the striped sneakers in the foreseeable future. According to TMZ, Frank Thomas is suing Reebok for re-releasing his vaulted signature sneakers under the ‘Big Hurt’ name. The report states that Thomas allowed Reebok to use his Big Hurt trademark over the course of his contract that ran from 1995 to 1998. Thomas claims that Reebok never asked for his permission when re-releasing the shoes overseas in 2013, with assumed 2014 US launch date.
This news comes in light of both retired athletes and active artists expressing displeasure regarding lack of royalties on the retro releases for their signature shoes. Thomas has a case based on the fact that the shoe sports his trademarked nickname, while others do not. In some instances, retired athletes have reached new agreements with sneaker companies for the relaunch of their old shoes. Reebok recently brought back Shaquille O’Neal, Shawn Kemp and Dominique Wilkins for their retro campaigns. Adidas also reunited with Dikembe Mutombo for the relaunch of his famed signatures. Stay tuned to Nice Kicks for more developments on this story and release information surrounding the Reebok Big Hurt.
Lead image via EU Kicks
