Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Partner Brian D. Wassom discussed an ongoing trademark dispute between athletic gear giant Nike Inc. and Detroit-based StockX LLC in the Crain’s Detroit Business article “StockX removes ‘verified authentic' language from website amid Nike lawsuit.”
StockX, a reselling platform for high-end products focusing on rare and unique shoes, is known for its promise that products are authentic and not imitations or cheap knockoffs. It uses the term “verified authentic” to distinguish products that pass through its verification process. However, that language has recently been removed from its website, an action that could be related to its continued fight against the Nike allegations.
Wassom told Crain's that it's "too early" to determine whether the language change on the StockX platform could be in regard to the Nike lawsuit.
"A trademark owner is the only one who truly has authority to speak on behalf of a brand," Wassom said. "I know from watching and reading about the case that one of Nike's major arguments is that they believe they are the only ones with the authority under trademark law to deem whether a product of theirs appears to be authentic."
Crain’s Detroit Business subscribers can read the full article here.
Brian Wassom is a futurist at heart who tracks legal issues arising from a wide range of cutting-edge technologies. He is chair of Warner’s Emerging Media and Technology Group and has developed a particular focus on matters of creative expression, First Amendment rights, commercial identity and privacy, which spans the legal doctrines of copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity rights, advertising, journalism and related fields. Learn more about his practice here.
About Warner
By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP builds a better partnership with our clients. One of Michigan’s largest law firms, we’re focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. Connect with us on wnj.com, LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.
# # #
