Naked competition threats adidas infringement of rights and interests

Nike and Adidas, the famous sporting goods company, have already snagged for Zheng Zhi. Nike (Suzhou) Sporting Goods Co., Ltd. has formally sued Adidas (China) Co., Ltd. yesterday, and its international player Zheng Zhi has also become the second defendant.

Nike announced in Beijing a press conference yesterday that Nike (Suzhou) Sports Products Co., Ltd. has sued Adidas for unfair competition. Adidas will become the first defendant. Zheng Chi, Nike’s international sponsor contract, became the second defendant. . At the same time, Nike also asked the court to adjudicate Adidas to stop using the image of Zheng Zhi to promote adidas's brand and product commercial activities.

It is understood that Nike had signed an exclusive sponsorship contract with Zheng Zhi from 2003 to 2007. The contract also stipulates that Zheng Zhi shall not use his own image directly or indirectly for any other direct competitive relationship with Nike during the contract period. Brands or products engage in promotional activities. However, since 2005, Zheng Zhi has participated in Adidas's branding campaigns in China and Europe several times in his personal capacity and has been wearing his jersey.

According to the evidence listed by Nike, Zheng Zhi also wore adidas sports shoes after the start of the Chinese Super League last year. At the end of last year, he went to Madrid, Europe to attend a commercial event of Adidas. It is understood that Nike had communicated with Adidas and Zheng Zhi himself on this matter, but the latter two have never responded positively.

In domestic football, there are not many incidents of infringement. Regardless of whether they are in the Super League or in an international competition in which the national team participates, the team is often a sponsor, and the player himself has also signed up to another sponsor. Sometimes it is inevitable that there will be disputes. For such incidents, most of them are resolved through coordination and communication. As a result, opponents and players are brought to court. This is the first time.

Zhu Jinqian, director of communications at Nike China, believes that Adidas has taken measures to induce Zheng Zhi to violate its binding contractual obligations, subjectively and intentionally infringing on the legal rights of Nike, in the event of repeated communication and fruitlessness. Can only resort to the law.

As of press time, Adidas and Zheng Zhi have not responded to the matter.