Nike shoe treads on Van Halen

 

Eddie Van Halen is so protective of his signature “Frankenstrat” guitar that he actually had the red, white and black color scheme copyrighted in 2001. While that may seem a little bit overkill, it might actually come in handy in his most recent lawsuit. Van Halen is currently suing Nike because he says that one of the designs on their Dunk Sneakers is too similar to his copyrighted splatter-striped guitar. According to the lawsuit, Van Halen has accused Nike of “irreparable harm and damage” to his design. He wants both monetary compensation and “the impoundment and destruction of all footwear.” Nike denies any relationship between the shoe and the guitar and says the two designs are not identical and there was no reference to Van Halen in the marketing of the shoe. Important in the possible motive behind the lawsuit is Eddie Van Halen’s recent release of his own shoe line, EVH Shoes, last month. These shoes do have the signature Frankenstrat stripes and look very similar to Converse All-Stars. Maybe it’s not being copied that Van Halen is afraid of, but just a little friendly competition. 

-Laurie Moot

Currently listening to: "Kentucky Mandolin," by Yonder Mountain String Band

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