Nike apologizes for using logo similar to Naval Academy’s

Nike apologized Friday and stopped a fashion collection after the U.S. Naval Academy objected to a logo, saying the similarities between the logo and the academy’s historical seal are “undeniable” and a trademark infringement.

The logo, from a collab- oration between Nike and Undefeated, a Los Angeles sportswear line, prompted a backlash on social media and a complaint from the academy.

“The Naval Academy crest represents honor, integrity and leadership,” a Naval Academy spokeswoman said in a statement issued June 15, “and is emblematic of our students and more than 80,000 alumni who serve and have served our coun- try, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in its defense. Annapolis, Maryland, and

“It is difficult to under- by some on social media. stand why anyone would On Facebook, many modify and use our symbol responded angrily to the without permission for mar- logo, pasting images of the keting and profit motives,” Naval Academy’s coat of arms the statement said. and writing comments such

Nike responded with a as, “Just plain wrong” and written statement June 15. “ripoff.” Some asked how the

“We recently were made company could expect to get aware of our logo being away with it, vowed not to included into a design that buy any of their products, has been previously used and vented dislike of Nike. by one of our longstanding On June 15, the tweets and partners,” the company said. Facebook posts by Unde“We have always respected feated containing the logo the US Navy and its Academy had been deleted. and have been a longtime The Nike x Undefeated supporter of the military. line, scheduled to launch

“We do not feel it is approfor sale June 17, included a priate to move forward with logo flanked by two columns, the collection. We apolowith a hand grasping a trogize to anyone who was phy on top and flags around offended.” the edges with words includ

The similarity between ing, “RESPECT ALL,” “FEAR the crest and the logo, which NONE” and “LOS ANGELES.” Undefeated tweeted out this At center was the Undefeated week, was noted by the Cap- logo, and on the trophy is ital Gazette newspaper in the Nike swoosh.