First-Ever Knockoff ‘Yeezy’ Retail Storefront Opens in China
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Kanye West’s Yeezy x Adidas footwear line has witnessed paramount success and a Chinese business showed just how far brands are willing to go to get a piece of the pie. This week in Wenzhou, China, a brick-and-mortar location opened to the public, selling knockoff versions of the ever-popular Yeezy Adidas Boost shoes.
The newly-opened retail store features a neat display of faux Yeezy Adidas Boost 350 V2s sneakers, both in original and unreleased colorways, with an added customizable option. There are, however, significant differences between the shoes: the text on the upper appears as “Yeezy 550” instead of the original “SPLY-350,” as Mashable reports, and sell at a lower price point — roughly $70 less than the authentic version.
Though talk of opening Adidas x Yeezy retail locations has been mentioned, it has not yet come to fruition, and it seems that this situation will need to be legally handled before it does. “Some time ago, the relevant authorities have ruled that the Yeezy trademark, which we registered with our company, is valid,” Mr. Hu, owner of the counterfeit store.
It may be a lengthy process, but can prove to be worth the hassle to take legal action, as Michael Jordan and Under Armour have succeeded in past trademark infringement cases in similar situations against Chinese companies.
Questions & Answers
Q.Where did the first knockoff Yeezy retail storefront open?
Where did the first knockoff Yeezy retail storefront open?
The first knockoff Yeezy retail storefront opened in Wenzhou, China. It is a brick-and-mortar location selling imitation versions of the popular Yeezy Adidas Boost shoes.
Q.What are the main differences between the genuine Yeezy shoes and the knockoff versions sold in the store?
What are the main differences between the genuine Yeezy shoes and the knockoff versions sold in the store?
The knockoff shoes feature 'Yeezy 550' text on the upper instead of the original 'SPLY-350'. They also sell at a lower price point, roughly $70 less than the authentic version.
Q.Has the owner of the counterfeit store made any claims regarding the Yeezy trademark?
Has the owner of the counterfeit store made any claims regarding the Yeezy trademark?
Yes, Mr. Hu, the owner, claims that relevant authorities have ruled the Yeezy trademark, which his company registered, is valid. This suggests a potential legal battle over the name.
Q.Have other high-profile brands successfully taken legal action in similar trademark infringement cases against Chinese companies?
Have other high-profile brands successfully taken legal action in similar trademark infringement cases against Chinese companies?
Yes, the article mentions that Michael Jordan and Under Armour have both succeeded in past trademark infringement cases. These were against Chinese companies in similar situations.
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