Nike Throws in the Towel in Lawsuit Against Rival New Balance over Sponsorship of Expectant Olympian

In a surprise move Nike decided to drop its lawsuit attempting to prevent American 800 meter World Champion runner Boris Berian from wearing rival shoe company New Balance. On June 23, 2016, Nike voluntarily dismissed its sponsorship dispute in an Oregon federal court where they recently sought to expedite the process in order to determine Berian’s sponsorship for the upcoming U.S. Olympic track and field trials on July 1, 2016.

Berian is a fascinating story in the world of track and field having worked as …

June 13, 2016 Litigation / Olympics / Sponsorships

Nike Successfully, but Temporarily, Prevents Rising Track Star From Running in Rival’s Gear

On June 7, 2016 an Oregon federal court granted Nike’s request for a temporary restraining order which would prevent track star Boris Berian from wearing or endorsing any of Nike’s competitors for a short period of time. The order handed down on Tuesday will keep Berian out of New Balance products until at least June 21, when a more permanent solution to the contract dispute is handed down.

Berian is the 800-meter world indoor champion and has become one of the faces of middle distance …