After a lengthy legal dispute lasting eighteen months, Nike has prevailed in a trademark infringement case against Bill Omar Carrasquillo, commonly recognized as Omi in a Hellcat. On April 19, 2024, a New York judge granted a default judgment in favor of Nike, requiring Carrasquillo to pay $8 million in damages to the global footwear giant.
The Origins of the Lawsuit
The legal proceedings began in November 2022 when Nike initiated a lawsuit against Carrasquillo, accusing him of trademark infringement due to the similarity of his sneaker designs to Nike’s renowned Air Jordan 1 and Nike Dunk models. These sneakers, considered “two of the most iconic and influential sneaker designs of all time,” have transcended sports and fashion, captivating sneakerheads worldwide. Nike’s legal action aimed to protect its intellectual property rights against unauthorized use and replication.
Initially, Nike also pursued legal action against designer Kool Kiy and others for similar trademark violations. However, in August 2023, Kool Kiy’s partner, David Weeks, reached a confidential settlement with Nike. Weeks acknowledged Nike’s exclusive ownership of the trademarks in question and agreed to cease production and distribution of the disputed sneakers. Despite this resolution, Kool Kiy and By Kiy LLC have yet to reach a settlement with Nike.
Carrasquillo’s Legal Representation Withdraws
Following this, in March 2024, the court approved the request to withdraw, resulting in a default judgment against Carrasquillo. A default judgment occurs when one party in a lawsuit neglects to respond to legal proceedings. In such instances, the court may issue a ruling favoring the party that actively pursued the case, typically based on the evidence and arguments provided by the initiating party. This decision arises because the non-responsive party has essentially relinquished their right to defend themselves or present their perspective in the case.
Prohibiting Future Infringement
As part of the court’s ruling, Carrasquillo and Reloaded Merch LLC are prohibited from producing or selling any sneakers that infringe upon Nike’s registered trademarks in the future. This ruling reaffirms Nike’s dedication to protecting its brand and intellectual property from unauthorized use and imitation. Despite the legal victory, Nike has not issued a public statement regarding the outcome of the case. On the other hand, Carrasquillo, recognized for his YouTube activities and business endeavors, has not issued any statement regarding the judgment or indicated any intentions for an appeal.