Trump Sneaker Makers Sue Counterfeit Sellers for Millions

The creators of former President Donald Trump’s sneaker line, 45Footwear LLC, initiated a lawsuit on Monday against online merchants accused of selling counterfeit versions of their limited edition shoes. The lawsuit aims to crack down on the unauthorized sales that surged shortly after the shoes sold out within hours of their launch. In their filing with the U.S. federal court in Arizona, 45Footwear LLC seeks a court order to prohibit the sale of these counterfeit products, to block the registration and operation of websites promoting and selling the counterfeit shoes, and to prevent the infringement of their trademarked logos and designs.

The company is demanding “any and all profits” earned by the counterfeit sellers or, alternatively, damages amounting to $2 million for each unauthorized use of their trademarks. Additionally, 45Footwear LLC is requesting $25,000 for each copyright violation involving the unauthorized use of their promotional images for the sneakers. The filing does not list any defendants by name but describes them as “individuals, unincorporated business associations, and business entities” primarily residing outside of the United States. The plaintiff has indicated that the names of the defendants will be shared under seal.

According to the lawsuit, the websites used to sell or advertise the counterfeit sneakers are registered in Arizona through domain registrars GoDaddy and Namecheap. The counterfeiters are accused of selling knock-offs of the $399 limited edition sneakers for as low as $99, significantly undercutting the market for the authentic products. This illegal activity has prompted 45Footwear LLC to take legal action to protect their brand and the value of their genuine products.

Former President Donald Trump launched his sneaker line in February at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia, offering three different variants of the shoes priced between $199 and $399. The initial release included a gold-colored limited edition high-top version priced at $399, which sold out within two hours, according to the company’s claims. In their court filing, 45Footwear LLC states that they sold 1,000 pairs of these special high-top sneakers. The company has announced that another batch of 1,000 limited edition shoes is currently available for pre-order on their website. In addition to sneakers, 45Footwear LLC sells $99 Trump-branded perfumes for both men and women, and former President Trump has lent his branding and endorsement to various other products, including NFT cards and a $60 “God Bless the USA” Bible.

A surprising detail revealed on the company’s website is that the first batch of the limited edition high-top sneakers will begin shipping this month, while the cheaper $199 versions are scheduled to ship in August. The website explains that the extended lead times are due to the shoes being made to order, ensuring quality and exclusivity for their customers.

On their website, 45Footwear LLC emphasizes that their sneakers are “not political and have nothing to do with any political campaign.” They clarify that they use Donald J. Trump’s name, likeness, and image under a paid license, distancing the product from any political affiliations or implications. This clarification aims to appeal to a broader audience beyond Trump’s political base, focusing on the product’s style and quality.