Trump’s Sneaker Brand Chases Down Knockoffs, Demanding $2M In Damages
Image via Trump Sneakers
In February, Donald Trump stepped into the world of sneakers with his new line, 45Footwear. However, it seems the former US President’s kicks have encountered some hurdles. After being called out for toeing the line of Christian Louboutin’s designs, the brand is now chasing after a network of alleged counterfeiters and accusing them of trademark and copyright infringements in a federal court in Arizona.
Introduced at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia, the Never Surrender High Tops made quite a splash. These gold high-tops, priced at US$399, feature a striking ‘T’ engraved on the side and an American flag on the upper back, complete with vibrant red soles.
Image via Trump Sneakers
With that, the allure of these exclusive designs—where only 1,000 pairs were made—quickly attracted copycats. Unauthorized replicas flooded the market even before the official products were shipped. This prompted the intervention of the US Customs and Border Protection’s Field Operations and the Orlando Trade Enforcement Team, who seized some fake sneakers from Vietnam.
Before escalating to legal measures, 45Footwear hired an online fraud investigator, who found that several businesses and individuals were actively promoting and selling fake sneakers.
The lawsuit filed by 45Footwear demands US$2 million in damages, with an additional US$25,000 for each copyright infringement. Alternatively, the defendants might have to forfeit all profits made from the counterfeit sales.
Image via Trump Sneakers
This legal battle is particularly notable given Trump’s previous trade policies as President, where Section 301 tariffs on China significantly impacted the US footwear industry, leading to higher prices and challenges for American businesses and consumers.
The defendants in the suit have not been publicly identified, but 45Footwear says it will name them in a new sealed document.
[via NBC News, The Independent, Forbes, images via Trump Sneakers]
