Shortly after learning that Nike received Federal Trademark Protection for its Air Jordan 1 design, a counter-petition to the United States Patent and Trademark Office was filed late last week.
Serving as a lifeline for bootlegs, the petition was filed by Robert Lopez, founder of New York-based RGL Consulting Group, a firm that assists “independent brands and small business owners in successfully enforcing their brand ownership rights against corporate giants.” The petition accuses Nike of fraud noting the sportswear giant submitted false statements to receive its “improperly issued” Federal Trademark Protection for the Air Jordan 1.
If the United States Patent and Trademark Office retracts the Federal Trademark Protection, we could see the lawful continuation of bootlegs that look similar to the Air Jordan 1 and other Air Jordan 1 variants.
For more footwear news, take a detailed look at the Air Jordan 1 High OG “Patent Bred.”