Nike has taken legal action against The Shoe Surgeon.

In the legal complaint filed on July 15, Nike asserts that The Shoe Surgeon operates an “illicit Nike empire” and promotes the counterfeiting of shoes through his Surgeon Academy courses.

Damn.. they call Surgeon Academy… Nike Counterfeiting 101. Alleging that his course teaches and encourages others to use their newly honed counterfeiting skills to venture into their own business. If you took this course and make your own customs…look out. 👀 pic.twitter.com/RU35jCuh8F

— Sneaker & Streetwear Legal Services℠ (@SneakerLegal) July 15, 2024

Dominic Ciambrone, famously known as The Shoe Surgeon, gains recognition for his sneaker modifications ranging from Air Jordan 1s to Nike Dunks using upscale components and luxury elements inspired by Louis Vuitton and Dior.

The legal action comes subsequent to Goyard’s lawsuit against The Shoe Surgeon over replicating their style on customized Air Jordan/Nike sneakers.

Nike mentioned the Goyard lawsuit in the Complaint. That is probably what helped force their hand here. They sent a C&D to him in Aug. 2023 that specifically mentioned his Nike/Goyard customs. pic.twitter.com/o8xP7UbNJx

— Sneaker & Streetwear Legal Services℠ (@SneakerLegal) July 15, 2024

As per legal records, Nike has dispatched multiple cease & refrain notices to The Shoe Surgeon. The label further contends that The Shoe Surgeon has been withdrawing items from his site and advertising/selling them through alternate platforms.

The lawsuit additionally alleges that Nike collaborated with The Shoe Surgeon and granted authorization for “a few limited prior engagements” relating to specially requested unique customizations.

Regardless, the company suspects that The Shoe Surgeon and Surgeon Academy contribute to marketplace confusion with the premium partnerships and offer a stage for budding counterfeit-centric enterprises.

Nike released an official statement concerning the legal dispute:

“Our goal is to make sure consumers are not misled and have access to authentic Nike, Inc. products that are authorized and created according to our high standards with the performance benefits they expect.

It is unfortunate that after many attempts to resolve this matter privately, we’ve had to take legal action against the Shoe Surgeon for counterfeiting, mass customization and trademark infringement. 

In order to safeguard our brand and IP, and aligned with Nike’s commitment to protect the consumer from counterfeit Nike product, we are left with no choice but to seek a legal solution to address how the Shoe Surgeon is constructing counterfeit “Nike” footwear from scratch and selling it as officially branded product.

Further, the Shoe Surgeon is teaching others to create counterfeit “Nike” sneakers.  These activities are illegal, deceive consumers and create confusion in the marketplace around source, authenticity and quality of Nike products.

We valued our relationship with the Shoe Surgeon and do not have any issues with the limited, one-of-one customization he’s been doing for us or his clients, when allowed under Nike-sponsored athletes’ contracts. In fact, we value opportunities for our athletes, consumers and partners to express themselves through their own style and creativity.”

-STATEMENT VIA NIKE

The legal suit is the most recent in a series from Nike as it safeguards its intellectual property (IP) and distinctive style.

In the recent past, Nike has taken legal action against John Geiger, BAPE, Warren Lotas, Kool Kiy, Omi in a Hellcat, Lil Gnar, and several others. The Shoe Surgeon will add to the list of lawsuits facing the Swoosh brand.

Continue to visit HQZ for further updates on this unfolding story.