Nike Cancels UNDEFEATED Collection and Apologizes to U.S. Naval Academy

Nike and UNDEFEATED recently received an onslaught of backslash for their collaborative “The Fives” collection logo, which bore striking similarities to the U.S. Naval Academy’s crest design. On Thursday, the USNA announced that it was sending a cease and desist to Nike and UNDEFEATED for trademark infringement. “The similarities of the Nike/UNDEFEATED logo released this week and the USNA Crest are undeniable and we believe their logo is clearly an infringement under trademark law,” the Academy wrote on Twitter.

On Friday, Nike responded with a written statement apologizing to the USNA. “We recently were made aware of our logo being included into a design that has been previously used by one of our longstanding partners,” Nike said in the statement, according to the Washington Post. “We have always respected the US Navy and its Academy and have been a longtime supporter of the military.”

Nike furthermore announced that its UNDEFEATED collection, which was slated for release on June 16, has been canceled. “We do not feel it is appropriate to move forward with the collection. We apologize to anyone who was offended.”

The USNA responded with another statement expressing appreciation for Nike’s cancellation of the UNDEFEATED collab. Check out the Tweets below, as well as the comparison of the logo designs, and share your thoughts in the comments.

The similarities of the Nike/UNDEFEATED logo released this week and the USNA Crest are undeniable and we believe their logo is clearly an infringement under trademark law. USNA is working with Navy leadership to order Nike/UNDEFEATED to cease and desist their use of the logo.

— U.S. Naval Academy (@NavalAcademy) June 14, 2018

The Naval Academy appreciates Nike’s announcement to no longer use the UNDEFEATED logo resembling our Naval Academy crest. We are pleased by this decision which is respectful of the Academy, our students and alumni. #usna #USNavy #nike #midshipmen #gonavymids

— U.S. Naval Academy (@NavalAcademy) June 16, 2018

I hope you didnt pay much for this logo. Its been around a while. Since the late 1800’s. Lots of men and women have died so you can infringe a trademark and be stupid. And by the way Navy’s clothing of choice is Under Armour. pic.twitter.com/jU32d6iyiB

— WHEN DID I EAT THAT? (@whendidieatthat) June 13, 2018