On this episode of Cars & Kicks, Jacques Slade, Erik Valdez, and Nick Engvall, are joined by lawyer Zak Kurtz, principle at Sneaker & Streetwear Legal, to find out the details of the unprecedented lawsuit between Nike and their former partner, The Shoe Surgeon.

Connect with Zak: https://sneaker.legal

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and New Show Intro

03:04 The Need for Accurate Information and Concrete Facts

05:23 Defining Counterfeit and Infringing New Products

07:43 The Difference Between Infringing New Products and Counterfeit

09:43 The Legal Threshold for Mass Production

16:19 Protecting Brand Identity and Avoiding Confusion

18:20 The Marketing Aspect of Lawsuits and Empire Building

26:24 The Litigious Nature of Luxury Brands

31:30 The Surprising Aspects of the Conversation

35:00 Nike's Underground Collaboration with Dom

38:25 The Disconnect Between Legal and Business Perspectives at Nike

43:22 Balancing External Clout and In-House Talent

52:51 The Potential Precedent of the Nike vs. Dom Lawsuit

58:14 Finding Your Unique Voice as a Creator

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

Jacques Slade is a multifaceted creator that explores the world of footwear and sports through the lens of culture. Through sneakers and golf, Jacques has cultivated an industry leading voice in the industry that can be seen online and on television. Or he is just an idiot. The jury is still out on that.

Erik Valdez is a husband, father, actor, producer, and creator, whose passion and knowledge for cars is unmatched. You might have seen him on shows like General Hospital, Graceland, or Superman & Lois. He’s driven in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the Baja 1000, and the number of cars he’s owned would rival the how collections of many sneakerheads.

Nick Engvall is a consultant and creator who helps brands make more authentic connections with their customers. His obsession with cars and sneakers both toe the line of unhealthiness that is best described as, overly passionate. If he’s not recording podcasts, he’s probably at the burrito shop or chasing down ocean sunsets.