Nike To Cease Use of Logo Resembling Naval Academy Crest

Officials at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis demanded that Nike and Undefeated, a boutique partner based in Los Angeles, stop using a new logo that resembles the academy’s crest. In response, Nike apologized for the apparent copying of the logo.

“We recently were made aware of our logo being included into a design that has been previously used by one of our longstanding partners,” the statement read. “We have always respected the U.S. Navy and its Academy and have been a longtime supporter of the military. We do not feel it is appropriate to move forward with the collection. We apologize to anyone who was offended.”

The academy also released a statement:

“The Naval Academy appreciates Nike’s announcement to no longer use the Undefeated logo resembling our Naval Academy crest. We are pleased by this decision which is respectful of the Academy, our students and alumni.”

“The Naval Academy crest represents honor, integrity and leadership, and is emblematic of our students and more than 80,000 alumni who serve and have served our country, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in its defense. It is difficult to understand why anyone would modify and use our symbol without permission for marketing and profit motives,” said Jenny Erickson, an academy spokeswoman.

“The similarities of the Nike/UNDEFEATED logo released this week and the USNA Crest are undeniable, and we believe their logo is clearly an infringement under trademark law. The Naval Academy is working with Navy leadership to order Nike/UNDEFEATED to cease and desist their use of the logo.”