Van Halen Suing Nike Over Shoe Design

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Rocker Eddie Van Halen is taking Nike bosses to court amid allegations they copied his signature black, red and white guitar design for a new range of sneakers.

The Van Halen frontman filed a federal lawsuit in a Los Angeles court last Friday (12Jun09), accusing brand executives of copyright infringement in regards to their Dunk Lows line of tennis shoes.

Van Halen, who is suing via his company ELVH Inc., claims Nike designers failed to ask his permission to use the streak pattern which has featured on his electric guitars since 1978 and was trademarked in 2001.

The legal papers allege the sports brand's shoes are doing "irreparable harm and damage" to his colourful design.

Van Halen is seeking general and punitive damages for the infringement, in addition to profits made to date from the Dunk Lows.

And he's demanding Nike cease all production on the shoes - calling for "the impoundment and destruction of all footwear".

Van Halen actually has his own range of sneakers, which he designed with manufacturers Converse.

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