Toronto Raptors superstar Kawhi Leonard may be battling it out for his team in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, but it isn’t the only battle he is currently engaging in.
According to TMZ Sports, Leonard is suing Nike over his “Klaw” logo, which he claims he drew himself and alleging that the powerhouse apparel brand had no right to copyright it.
In the lawsuit, Leonard claims that the famous logo of a “K,” an “L” and his jersey number were his concept, that originally drew back in 2011.
“Leonard traced his notably large hand, and, inside the hand, drew stylized versions of his initials, “KL,” and the number that he had worn for much of his career, “2,” the lawsuit states.
What makes things a bit murky for Leonard is that he says that he permitted Nike to use the logo after he signed a contract with the brand back in 2011, but contends that they filed for a copyright of the logo “without Leonard’s knowledge or consent.”
Leonard claims that he initially gave permission for Nike to use the symbol because it was “mutually benefit” to both parties, but is now seeking control of his logo claiming Nike “committed fraud on the Copyright Office” by registering his logo.
Leonard signed a new deal with New Balance last fall.