In addition to taking on the super team that is the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals, Toronto Raptors superstar Kawhi Leonard “Just Did It” against Nike, as he is suing the multi-billion dollar company over his “Klaw” logo.
According to Bleacher Report, TMZ and other news outlets, the lawsuit says Kawhi drew the “Klaw” signature logo himself and that Nike filed for a formal copyright without receiving his consent. The lawsuit states, “Leonard traced his notably large hand, and, inside the hand, drew stylized versions of his initials, ‘KL,’ and the number that he had worn for much of his career, ‘2’ . . . The drawing Leonard authored was an extension and continuation of drawings he had been creating since early in his college career.” However, there may be a problem, as Kawhi says he gave Nike permission to use the logo while he was under contract with the company from 2011-2018. Yet, Kawhi is still suing, claiming Nike had no right to file for a copyright of his logo without his knowledge or consent, and that Nike “falsely represented” that it created the “Klaw” logo in its copyright application. In the lawsuit, Kawhi wants to regain control of his logo.
Given that Kawhi just signed a multi-year shoe deal with New Balance last year, if Nike wins the lawsuit, issues are bound to arise. Kawhi may have to create an entirely new logo or New Balance may have to seek a licensing arrangement if it wants to use the “Klaw” logo on its products. With the NBA Finals in action, free agency looming, and now a lawsuit against Nike, Kawhi surely has his “Klaws” full. However, if the allegations are true, a court should consider granting Kawhi control over his logo, as the logo has become associated with the superstar and it would be wrong for Nike to profit off an athlete who is no longer under contract with the company.
Stay tuned as this story develops . . .