Nike and Shoe Surgeon Reach Settlement Over Trademark Lawsuit
PublishedQuick Facts
- Nike and SRGN Studios have entered a confidential settlement agreement after The Swoosh sued The Shoe Surgeon in June 2024.
- Nike’s lawsuit accused The Shoe Surgeon of trademark infringement, counterfeiting, false designation of origin, and unfair competition.
- The Shoe Surgeon has agreed to pay an undisclosed amount to Nike.
- The agreement allows The Shoe Surgeon to create one-of-one customs under special circumstances.
- The Shoe Surgeon cannot produce or sell any product using Nike's trademarks.
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Nearly a year after Nike filed a $60 million lawsuit against custom sneaker designer The Shoe Surgeon, the two sides have reached a settlement. The news comes just days after separate allegations surfaced against Urban Necessities, a resale store which The Shoe Surgeon happens to also be affiliated with.
Nike’s $60 Million Lawsuit and Allegations Against SRGN Studios
Filed in June 2024, Nike’s lawsuit accused Ciambrone and his company, SRGN Studios, of trademark infringement, counterfeiting, false designation of origin, and unfair competition. The Swoosh argued that The Shoe Surgeon’s practice of selling luxury “reconstructions” of Nike silhouettes—such as the Air Jordan 1 and Air Force 1—amounted to unauthorized commercial use of its intellectual property. Nike’s complaint sought damages exceeding $60 million and an injunction to halt further sales of the custom sneakers.
Settlement Terms Between Nike and The Shoe Surgeon
According to newly filed court documents obtained by Sole Retriever, Nike and The Shoe Surgeon have reached a settlement, though much of the agreement remains sealed under the confidential settlement agreement referenced in the judgment. While the specific financial terms remain sealed, the filings confirm that The Shoe Surgeon will pay Nike an undisclosed amount as part of the resolution. The agreement also includes a mutual release of liability, with both sides waiving their rights to pursue further legal action related to the case.
Although the full scope of the settlement remains mostly confidential, the publicly filed consent judgment outlines several key provisions between the two parties.
What The Shoe Surgeon Can—and Can’t—Do Going Forward
As part of the consent judgment, Ciambrone and his affiliates acknowledged and agreed that Nike’s trademarks are valid and enforceable, and that their past actions—building custom shoes with uppers made from third-party materials that feature Nike branding—violated federal trademark law.
A permanent injunction has been issued barring The Shoe Surgeon from producing or selling any product that uses Nike’s trademarks or anything likely to cause consumer confusion. This ban extends to physical products, digital goods, molds, marketing materials, and even offering workshops that involve Nike’s intellectual property — a pillar of their business.
However, the court carved out a narrow exception: The Shoe Surgeon may continue to offer “one-of-one” customizations as detailed in the confidential settlement agreement—provided they use authentic Nike shoes, include a clear disclaimer that Nike is not affiliated, and are made strictly for personal or non-commercial use.
Should Ciambrone or his company violate the terms of this injunction in the future, Nike is entitled to recover legal fees and pursue further remedies. The court has retained jurisdiction to enforce the terms of the agreement if necessary.
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Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
