Final week, studies surfaced that the Los Angeles Clippers had allegedly taken steps to amass Kawhi Leonard’s “Klaw” brand from Nike. The Clippers’ suspected motive was an try to realize Leonard’s curiosity throughout his upcoming free company, nevertheless it seems to be just like the Raptors star and New Stability endorsee could possibly be placing an finish to any negotiations—and take again what he says is his.
In line with Portland Enterprise Journal, Leonard has filed a federal lawsuit in opposition to Nike, claiming that the brand was really his design. The nine-page swimsuit was filed right now in United States District Courtroom and claims that the brand was an up to date model of drawings he’d been engaged on since school. Leonard says he labored with Jordan Model on the design, however Nike later filed a copyright claiming sole possession.
Though the lawsuit has simply been filed, this isn’t the primary time Leonard has claimed to have had a hand within the design, which may lend some credence his argument. In 2014, Leonard stated the brand was his thought, however added “I give the Jordan Model group all of the credit score as a result of I’m no artist in any respect. They refined it and made it look higher than I assumed it could ever be, and I’m extraordinarily proud of the ultimate model.”
Nike refused to touch upon the pending litigation. A consultant for Leonard didn’t instantly return Sole Collector’s request for remark. Keep tuned for updates on this growing story.
UPDATE (07/18): Within the weeks since studies first surfaced of Leonard lawsuit in opposition to Nike, the previous Toronto Raptor led the franchise to its first NBA championship, took residence his second Finals MVP honor, and after a lot hypothesis, finally signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. There have additionally been new authorized developments over Leonard’s “Klaw” brand.
TMZ has obtained paperwork outlining a countersuit in opposition to Leonard by Nike. Within the submitting, Nike admits that Leonard did certainly present an early draft for the design. Nonetheless, the corporate argues that quite a few adjustments had been made to the artwork earlier than establishing a closing “unique” model. Notable variations embody the graphic’s placement of the “Ok” and “L letters, in addition to the omission of the quantity “2” on the ultimate product.
In line with Nike, Leonard signed off of Nike’s design in 2014, which is when the corporate filed its personal copyright. Years later, in 2017, Nike grew to become conscious of Leonard’s makes an attempt to trademark the brand himself, claiming the previous Raptors star had “fraudulently claimed to be the writer and sole proprietor” of the design.
Within the countersuit, Nike is claimed to reference the aforementioned Leonard interview wherein he credit Jordan Model’s group for finalizing the graphic.
The Swoosh is now looking for financial damages and is countersuing Leonard for breach of contract, copyright infringement, and fraud.
