Nike, Adidas Sue Wal-Mart Over Knockoffs

Nike Inc. and Adidas-Salomon, the world’s two largest sporting goods makers, sued Wal-Mart Stores Inc., accusing the retailer of selling T-shirts with counterfeit logos. Nike and Adidas are the fifth and sixth major sportswear companies to sue Wal-Mart for selling knockoffs in the last two years, the apparel companies said. The latest suit, filed in federal court in Manhattan, claims Wal-Mart has been selling several styles of counterfeit Adidas and Nike T-shirts at its Sam’s Club warehouse stores. Les Copeland, a spokesman for the Bentonville, Ark.-based store chain, said the company had not seen the lawsuit but strongly denied the allegations. Beaverton, Ore.-based Nike and Germany’s Adidas are seeking $1 million in damages for each counterfeited style of T-shirt Wal-Mart is accused of selling. Wal-Mart closed off 94 cents at $58.75, while Nike’s Class B shares fell $1.75 to close at $43.88, both on the New York Stock Exchange.