The U.S. Naval Academy is accusing Nike, the world’s largest sports apparel company, of trademark infringement.
USNA released a statement Thursday evening regarding Nike’s collaboration logo with Los Angeles boutique retailer, UNDEFEATED, which the academy claims bears an “undeniable” resemblance to the school’s crest.
“We believe their logo is clearly an infringement under trademark law,” USNA tweeted. “USNA is working with Navy leadership to order Nike/UNDEFEATED to cease and desist their use of the logo.”
The similarities of the Nike/UNDEFEATED logo released this week and the USNA Crest are undeniable and we believe their logo is clearly an infringement under trademark law. USNA is working with Navy leadership to order Nike/UNDEFEATED to cease and desist their use of the logo.
— U.S. Naval Academy (@NavalAcademy) June 14, 2018
“The Naval Academy crest represents honor, integrity and leadership, and is emblematic of our students and more than 80,000 alumni who serve and have served our country, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in its defense. It is difficult to understand why anyone would modify and use our symbol without permission for marketing and profit motives,” a Naval Academy spokesman added.
We’ve seen a lot of discussion re: our USNA Seal this week…The USNA crest represents honor, integrity and leadership,and is emblematic of our students and more than 80k alumni who serve and have served our country, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in its defense.
— U.S. Naval Academy (@NavalAcademy) June 14, 2018
… It is difficult to understand why anyone would modify and use our symbol without permission for marketing and profit motives.
— U.S. Naval Academy (@NavalAcademy) June 14, 2018
Savvy social media users pointed out the similarities earlier in the week.
— Geo ?? (@jp__BBB) June 11, 2018
Hmmmm that looks awfully familiar….who stole the logo, UNDFTD or Nike? pic.twitter.com/xHS020zei8
— At (@Diesel_Kicks) June 13, 2018
— Amy Gindl Thibodeau (@amygindl) June 14, 2018
I hope you didnt pay much for this logo. Its been around a while. Since the late 1800’s. Lots of men and women have died so you can infringe a trademark and be stupid. And by the way Navy’s clothing of choice is Under Armour. pic.twitter.com/jU32d6iyiB
— WHEN DID I EAT THAT? (@whendidieatthat) June 13, 2018
The collaboration between Nike and UNDEFEATED, dubbed “The Fives,” is in celebration of the 2018 World Cup, which kicked off Thursday.
