Nike & BAPE Settle Dispute Over Air Force, Jordan, Dunk-Like Sneakers
Image via BAPE
Nike and Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape, or BAPE, have stepped into agreement after a months-long legal dispute over lookalike sneakers. Per a joint filing submitted in a New York federal court on April 29, 2024, both parties have reached a settlement.
In January 2023, the Oregon sportswear giant initiated a lawsuit against Bape, accusing the latter of infringing upon the trade dress—referring to the overall visual design elements of a product, including its shape, size, color scheme, and materials—of several of its renowned shoes. In this case, Nike argued that the design of Bape’s BAPE STA, COURT STA, and SK8 STA models bore a significant resemblance to its iconic Air Jordan 1, Air Force 1, and Dunk lines, potentially leading to consumer confusion.
Similar details between sneakers from both sides include perforated toe boxes, often seen in Nike’s Air Force 1s, and a Swoosh-like shape on the side that Bape has finished with a star.
Nike has settled its lawsuit with BAPE! pic.twitter.com/10wg9uBoH1
— Outlander Magazine (@StreetFashion01) April 29, 2024
Bape initially attempted to have the case dismissed, arguing that Nike’s designs lacked the necessary distinctiveness for trademark protection. However, Judge Paul Gardephe of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York begged to differ and rejected this motion in March 2024.
Images via BAPE
Bape, known for its playful and often-times cheeky designs, has a history of drawing inspiration from other brands, including releasing BAPEX watches that take clear aesthetic cues from Rolex and Patek Philippe models without breaking the bank.
The details of the settlement between the sneaker greats remain confidential, but according to a statement released by Nike, Bape has agreed to discontinue sales of the BAPE STA Mid, COURT STA, and COURT STA High models. Additionally, Bape will modify the designs of the BAPE STA and SK8 STA lines to address Nike’s concerns.
As of the time of writing, the soon-to-be redesigned sneakers are still available on the website, while the BAPE STA Mid and COURT STA silhouettes have been taken down.
[via Complex, Sole Retriever, Drip, images via various sources]
