Nike Files Lawsuit Against Sneaker Influencers for Fake Sneaker Empire
The sneaker reseller community has seen a dip in the market the last couple years, whereas replica sneaker dealers have seen something of a boom. Influential platforms like TikTok and Discord have become a hotbed for peddling knock-off kicks by the likes of PandaBuy and other ‘fake’ influencers. But while this is illegal, it's not some undercover black market operation. Many replica sneaker merchants are out in the open, like established sneaker influencer Eben ‘Cedaz’ Fox and founder of fashion label, Divide The Youth, Nicholas Tuinenburg. They have both been dealing in counterfeit product, but Nike have noticed and are now suing them.
In separate lawsuits first reported by , have filed trademarks lawsuits against Fox and Tuinenburg, accusing the pair of promoting and selling fake Nike merchandise on social media. The filing against Fox specifically claims the Florida-based social media personality falsely marketed counterfeit products to his online audience. In the preliminary statement that has surfaced online, Nike’s case refers to Fox as a ‘self-described “four-year veteran” in the trade of counterfeit goods who wields his online influence to promote and peddle counterfeit goods to tens of thousands of social media users'.
Nike have claimed in their lawsuit that Fox knowingly advertised counterfeit Nike sneakers as the real deal on his Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok accounts. The main issue is that Fox is profiting from unauthorised promotion of fake products. One specific video cited in the case is titled ‘I returned FAKE Nike Shoes to Nike… (SHOCKING)’. In the YouTube segment, Fox exchanges a $15 fake pair of Nikes for an authentic pair. The clip racked up 620K views and obviously caught Nike’s attention.
But it goes deeper than Fox and Tuinenburg’s marketing content. The case also takes aim at their use of Discord, Reddit, and other online forums and communities to scoop up replica Nike kicks outside of the USA. Nike claims Fox colluded with counterfeiters and shipping platforms like PandaBuy to increase promotion of forged merchandise. PandaBuy is a well-known market for replica footwear. But considering they operate out of China, even a big name like Nike can’t target them. However, they can go after PandaBuy purveyors operating within the USA.
Nike are seeking a court order for Fox, Tuinenburg and their associates to cease and desist engaging in the manufacturing, transportation, promotion, advertising, and sale of inauthentic Nike products. On top of putting a stop to Fox’s activities, the brand is seeking damages and related expenses.
While dealers and platforms have been operating out in the open, the giants of the sneaker industry have been taking note and we expect that this won’t be the first case of its kind.
Check out our deep-dive into , as seen in Sneaker Freaker Issue 46.