Nike cancels UNDEFEATED Collection for logo plagiarism
With formal apologies to the U.S. Naval Academy
June 18th, 2018
You'd better not fight with the U.S. Navy, it is a right mommy advice that Nike followed.
After receiving an onslaught of backslash for their “The Fives” collection in collaboration with UNDEFEATED - which bore striking similarities to the U.S. Naval Academy’s crest design - the Swoosh announced that the World Cup-inspired collection has been canceled.
U.S. Naval Academy is one of the most prestigious military academies of the USA, based in Annapolis, Maryland. The problem with Nike x UNDEFEATED collection was the logo, that is actually almost identical. The crest intended for The Fives collection features the same dual columns and surrounding embellishments, but Undefeated's logo was placed in the center of the crest and a trophy with the Nike's swoosh was added to the top.
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) 13 giugno 2018
On Thursday, the USNA announced that it was sending a cease and desist to Nike and UNDEFEATED for trademark infringement. “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,” the Academy wrote on Twitter.
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) 14 giugno 2018
On Friday, Nike responded with a written statement apologizing to the USNA. “We recently were made aware of our logo being included into a design that has been previously used by one of our longstanding partners,” Nike said in the statement, according to the Washington Post. “We have always respected the US Navy and its Academy and have been a longtime supporter of the military.” Nike furthermore announced that its UNDEFEATED collection, which was slated for release on June 16, has been canceled. “We do not feel it is appropriate to move forward with the collection. We apologize to anyone who was offended.”
The Naval Academy appreciates Nike’s announcement to no longer use the UNDEFEATED logo resembling our Naval Academy crest. We are pleased by this decision which is respectful of the Academy, our students and alumni. #usna #USNavy #nike #midshipmen #gonavymids
— U.S. Naval Academy (@NavalAcademy) 16 giugno 2018