Massachusetts-based SportsFuzion is suing fellow American sportswear company and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame over breach of contract and fraud.
The claims relate to the manufacture and sale of sportswear linked to Michael Jordan's upcoming induction into the Hall. SportsFuzion is seeking more than $10 million (£6 million) in damages.
SportsFuzion claims that in March 2006 it signed a contract with the Hall of Fame giving it exclusive worldwide rights to the organisation's trade names, logos, trademarks, designs and photos for use in sportswear through to 2012.
Nike plans to release an Air Jordan Hall of Fame Collection this summer, and has launched a marketing campaign to promote the trainers.
“I knew that Michael Jordan's induction would be the biggest event in the Hall of Fame's history and, like his impact on the NBA and the game of basketball, this product opportunity was enormous,” said Andrew Mirken, SportsFuzion's co-founder and president. “Having Nike and the Hall of Fame go behind our backs to cut us out of the deal has become my worst nightmare.”
The lawsuit also accuses Nike of interfering with a contract and both parties of unfair and deceptive trade practices. A Nike spokesman said company officials were reviewing the complaint but believe it is “without merit”.
