MAYBE THE AIR ISN'T FREE: NIKE TAXED ON AIR JORDANS

          The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in
     Washington, DC, ruled this week that the design of Nike's Air
     Jordan sneaker and certain other "synthetic-leather models
     should be subjected to higher import duties than those
     applied to older leather footwear," according to Frances
     McMorris of the WALL STREET JOURNAL.  The ruling, which
     concerned application of a '63 law aimed at protecting
     domestic manufacturers by imposing higher tariffs on imported
     shoes with certain design and features, disallows Nike from
     recovering an estimated $100M in disputed import duties. 
     Nike had argued, "unsuccessfully," that its designs were
     different from those covered by the law, but the ruling means
     it will continue to pay "several additional dollars" on
     imported Air Jordans.  The added cost to consumers can be up
     to $10 on a pair of the $125 sneakers.  Nike said it "hasn't
     decided whether to appeal," but said it will not change the
     design of the Air Jordan shoe (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 5/14).