Customization and infringement can often seem like a thin line. Protecting anything from your custom sneaker to intellectual property has never been a straightforward endeavor, especially in the apparel industry. This is especially true when it comes to footwear. Some of these risks could put you out of business or cost you plenty if a design infringes on another brand’s intellectual property (IP).
Sneaker design infringement is costly. The owners of trademarks like Nike, FILA, Adidas, and many others who have filed intellectual property for their logos and designs have the most problem with counterfeited sneakers. Therefore, if you plan on producing sneakers in the future and expect to be taken seriously by retailers worldwide, you must avoid having any legal trouble involving alleged trademark infringement.
We’ve created this checklist that helps you understand whether your custom design sneaker can be seen as counterfeit. Checklist: How To Avoid Sneaker Design Infringement explores high-profile cases, why custom sneaker designs are being targeted by sneaker companies, and ways to assess the risk of your sneaker design.
Who is this checklist for?
- You’re interested in learning about sneaker law
- You’re new to designing or sneaker customization and looking for that “one resource” that covers everything you need to know about infringement.
- Want case studies on what designers have received a cease and desist and why.
- Want a checklist to help assess your sneaker design’s risk
What’s included in this checklist:
- An understanding between custom design and infringement
- Why custom sneaker designers have been targeted by sneaker corporations
- Learn about the first sale doctrine
- Learn about material difference
- Case studies that help you assess your sneaker design risk
- Checklist that helps you assess your sneaker customs risk
If you’re looking to learn about sneaker law, from understanding intellectual property to how to make a sneaker deal, get started with Yellowbrick’s Streetwear Essentials Course featuring FIT and Complex. Or download our career guide to explore the many design careers in the sneaker industry.
