Nike vs Adidas

Competition between two sports goods giants, Nike and Adidas, is now in a different arena - a Shanghai court. Nike is suing its German competitor and product endorser Chinese soccer star Zheng Zhi, a Xinhua News Agency report says.

At a hearing held earlier this month, Nike Sports (China) told Shanghai No 1 Intermediate People's Court that Adidas and Zheng - captain of the Chinese soccer team and a midfield player with England's Charlton Athletic - had harmed its interests.

Nike said Zheng was recruited by Adidas who promised more money and wore Adidas products and attended its publicity events while working as a brand ambassador for Nike.

It is seeking 8 million yuan in compensation from the two.

But the accused parties said Nike broke its contract with Zheng due to nonpayment.

Nike had withdrawn a similar suit accusing Adidas of unfair competition for lack of evidence, Jiang Xian, the attorney of the 28-year-old soccer player, is quoted as saying.

AFD China Newsletter is intended to provide our clients and friends information only. It should not constitute legal advice of AFD China or any of its attorneys, and AFD China will not be held responsible for any reliance on its contents.