Nike has sued CA-based Oakley "alleging the eyewear
maker knowingly used an image of a beret-clad [Michael]
Jordan in a print ad that violates Nike's contract with the
basketball superstar," according to Jeff Manning of the
Portland OREGONIAN. While Jordan has endorsed Oakley "for
several years," and "even sits on the board of directors,"
Nike has "grudgingly" allowed Jordan to appear in ads
wearing Oakley sunglasses. Nike attorney Peter Koehler said
that a recent image of Jordan wearing a beret with a logo
for Oakley's "X-Frame" sunglasses "violated Nike's
contractual rights to control all of the footwear, apparel
and accessories worn by Jordan in ads." In July, Oakley
sued Nike "claiming" the company was selling sunglasses that
violated a "newly granted Oakley patent," but Nike's Koehler
said that this lawsuit "is in no way an answer to Oakley's
original action." Jordan's Nike deal requires that all "ad
images be cleared through" his agent, David Falk. According
to the lawsuit, Falk "refused to approve the ad," warning
Oakley that the picture of Jordan in a beret violated his
agreement with Nike. Oakley "would not comment on
allegations in the lawsuit" (Portland OREGONIAN, 8/8).
