Last week, reports surfaced that the Los Angeles Clippers had allegedly taken steps to acquire Kawhi Leonard’s “Klaw” logo from Nike. The Clippers’ suspected motive was an attempt to gain Leonard’s interest during his upcoming free agency, but it looks like the Raptors star and New Balance endorsee could be putting an end to any negotiations—and take back what he says is his.
According to Portland Business Journal, Leonard has filed a federal lawsuit against Nike, claiming that the logo was actually his design. The nine-page suit was filed today in United States District Court and claims that the logo was an updated version of drawings he’d been working on since college. Leonard says he worked with Jordan Brand on the design, but Nike later filed a copyright claiming sole ownership.
Although the lawsuit has just been filed, this isn’t the first time Leonard has claimed to have had a hand in the design, which could lend some credence his argument. In 2014, Leonard said the logo was his idea, but added “I give the Jordan Brand team all the credit because I’m no artist at all. They refined it and made it look better than I thought it would ever be, and I’m extremely happy with the final version.”
Nike refused to comment on the pending litigation. A representative for Leonard did not immediately return Sole Collector’s request for comment. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Article written by Riley Jones #SoleCollector
