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In a year filled with lawsuits and controversy, the Nike legal team has surely been busy. Already pursuing a multitude of claims against MSCHF, the company that produced the Lil Nas X “Satan Shoe,” the United States Postal Service has flipped the tide pursuing a lawsuit against Nike’s recent Air Force 1 Experimental.
A public relation’s official for the postal firm recently announced the following statement about protecting its rights:
The Postal Service, which receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations, protects its intellectual property. Officially licensed products sold in the marketplace expand the affinity for the Postal Service brand and provide incremental revenue through royalties that directly support it. Sales of unauthorized and unlicensed products deny support to the hardworking women and men of the Postal Service.
This is an unfortunate situation where a large brand such as Nike, which aggressively protects its own intellectual property, has chosen to leverage another brand for its own gain. The Postal Service is disappointed in Nike’s lack of response to repeated attempts to come to a solution. The Postal Service will take whatever actions it deems necessary to protect its valuable IP rights.”
-USPS Statement Issued 4/1/21
Clearly inspired by the USPS shipping box, the controversial Nike colorway hasn’t been announced for release. It’ll be interesting to see how the Oregon-based firm proceeds, especially taking on the role of the defendant. As usual, be sure to keep it locked to Nice Kicks to read about soon-to-arrive updates on the ongoing legal proceedings.
UPDATE (5/5/21):
In a rather unexpected ending to the above lawsuit, both USPS and Nike have officially agreed to endorse the upcoming Nike Air Force 1 Experimental “Postal Ghost.” Now licensed and legally ready for release, look for the pair to arrive July 30th via SNKRS & other select retailers.
Nike Air Force 1 Experimental “Postal Ghost”
Colorway: White / Ghost / Ashen Slate / Game Royal
Style #: CZ1528-100
Release Date: July 30, 2021
Price: $130