Lawsuit Escalates Over 'Nike Satan Sneakers'

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Nike has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against a company that sold Nike Air Max shoes containing a drop of human blood.

On the 29th (local time), Nike announced that it had filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against the New York-based street fashion company MSCHF.

In the complaint, Nike claimed, "This company infringed on Nike's trademark rights by releasing so-called 'Satan Shoes' containing human blood in Nike sneakers."

MSCHF collaborated with rapper Lil Nas X to customize the Nike Air Max 97S sneakers.

These shoes were made by placing a drop of blood drawn from one of the employees into the sole of the shoe, adorned with a pentagram pendant symbolizing the devil, and sold online as a limited edition of '666 pairs.'

Despite the high price of $1,018, the shoes sold out within one minute of release, gaining popularity.

This product was customized by MSCHF after purchasing Air Max shoes in bulk. Although Nike was not involved in the production of this product, there has been ongoing controversy suggesting that Nike might have manufactured them.

Although Nike issued a statement over the past weekend denying any connection to the product, the controversy did not subside, leading to the filing of the lawsuit.

Nike stated, "Due to misunderstandings that MSCHF's Satan Shoes were made with Nike's permission or approval, Nike has suffered damages such as market confusion and brand value degradation, along with calls for boycotts."

Nike requested the immediate suspension of shipping MSCHF's shoes sold online.

The Satan Shoes were released to coincide with the release of Lil Nas X's new song "Montero" music video. The music video features Lil Nas X falling from the "Garden of Eden" into hell and performing a provocative rap dance for the devil.

Since its release on the 26th, the music video has recorded over 40 million views as of today.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.