Van Halen Guitarist Sues Nike for Copyright Infringement

June 22, 2009

Pasadena, California - Eddie Van Halen, guitarist from popular rock band Van Halen, has charged sportswear company Nike Inc. with copyright infringement lawsuit for allegedly infringing his trademark striped color which is found in his electric guitars.

According to reports, Van Halen filed his copyright infringement case before a Los Angeles court on Friday.

In his complaint, the guitarist said Nike’s Dunk Low sneakers color scheme is similar to his “Frankenstein” guitars’. In 2001, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted Van Halen with a copyright for the design that shows abstract patterns of red, black, and white.

Van Halen said the alleged infringement has caused him “irreparable harm and damages” and asked the court to destroy all the shoes which bear the copyrighted design.

The guitarist also asked the court to grant him the profits Nike has made from selling the shoes.

Meanwhile, Nike said it did not infringe Van Halen’s right, adding that the shoes’ design is not “substantially the same with the guitar’s”.

In a statement, Nike also said it did not use Van Halen’s name or his image in promoting and marketing the shoes.

Recently, Van Halen released his own line of shoes that bears his guitar’s signature design.