Nike Sues Bape 🦧

The Bapesta model might be done for good, as Nike is suing the iconic brand for basically copying their AF1 model. I'm hoping Nike doesn't fully shut them down, but it seems like that route is on the table. Have a heart Nike, please don't kill the ape 😢 (2 min read)

Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage

Nike Sues Bape

2023 Nike is not playing with you imposters and cheap imitators. Bape is being sued for trademark infringement due to the striking similarities between their Bapesta model and Nike’s own AF1 💀

Anyone with two eyes to see can tell that the Bapesta model is basically an upscale rip off. But that doesn’t mean that Nike should obliterate them in court. Obviously under the letter of the law Nike has the grounds to sue Bape into oblivion, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they should...

I might sound corny saying this, but Bape holds a special place in the heart of a generation who were raised on Wheezy and idolized Pharrell. I’m not going to say that I'm one of these people, but my homies definitely were. I would be really sad to see Bape shut down Bapesta production over this lawsuit. Would the people at Nike really be happy to see the Bapesta gone forever? 🤔

I’m sure some of those same people in Beaverton have Bapesta’s sitting in their closet right now. Would this legal victory even been satisfactory knowing that millions of sneaker fans would be crushed by the outcome? Have a heart Nike. Please don't kill the ape 🦧

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