Nike rips off iconic Minor Thread album cover
#1
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From: I was here but I disappear
Nike rips off iconic Minor Thread album cover
From http://pitchforkmedia.com/news/05-06/23.shtml
Considering the specific source, this is pretty damn pathetic and annoying.
Considering the specific source, this is pretty damn pathetic and annoying.
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From: I was here but I disappear
Originally Posted by Groucho
I'm guessing they got permission.
From the link:
But Nike is smart enough to know better, right? They must have asked permission. We spoke to a representative from Dischord Records, Minor Threat's label, if Nike had asked to borrow these images. They said the following: "No, they stole it and we're not happy about it. Nike is a giant corporation which is attempting to manipulate the alternative skate culture to create an even wider demand for their already ubiquitous brand. Nike represents just about the antithesis of what Dischord stands for and it makes me sick to my stomach to think they are using this explicit imagery to fool kids into thinking that the general ethos of this label, and Minor Threat in particular, can somehow be linked to Nike's mission. It's disgusting."
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From: Lyon Estates
Originally Posted by Groucho
I'm guessing they got permission.
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From: Virginia
Wow, you rarely see such a blatant attempt of this. My guess is some Minor Threat fan is also an employee at this particular advertising firm and didn't think enough people would notice this.
I admit I have never heard them, what kind of music do they play?
I admit I have never heard them, what kind of music do they play?
#8
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I don't think Dischord would win a legal battle here, as they could argue it's a 'parody', which is legal. While it's a blatant copy, I don't agree that they were trying to slip it under people's noses unnoticed as their own work. If anything, I think they intended their "homage" to be noticed by punk people and skaters. I imagine Nike figured they'd say "Hey look, Nike knows Minor Threat! Nike's pretty cool after all!" Which shows they also have no clue, but hey.
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From: I was here but I disappear
Originally Posted by freudguy
I admit I have never heard them, what kind of music do they play?
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From: Austin, TX
I just don't Nike would release something like this without it going through their own legal department... The ad is obviously a ripoff of the album, but someone in Nike must've said "hey.. let check to make sure this ok" maybe they did and found out there was no reason to contact Dischord Records
#12
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I've listened to the complete MT cd a thousand times. great songs on there.
Nike must figure it falls under the 'parody' thing; or else they dont think Dischord will sue them.
Nike must figure it falls under the 'parody' thing; or else they dont think Dischord will sue them.
#14
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No way in hell Ian would authorize or agree to that... Neither would the photographer of that photo. That's fucking bullshit. Ian should sue the fuck outta Nike and then he'd probably give the money to a homeless shelter. I knew there was a reason I never bought anything nike made.
#16
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Originally Posted by j123vt_99
I just don't Nike would release something like this without it going through their own legal department... The ad is obviously a ripoff of the album, but someone in Nike must've said "hey.. let check to make sure this ok" maybe they did and found out there was no reason to contact Dischord Records
#17
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From Dischord's website
6.24.05
Many people have now noticed that Nike has appropriated the Minor Threat artwork and logo for a new skateboard demo / ad campaign. To set the record straight -- Nike never contacted Dischord to obtain permission to use this imagery, nor was any permission granted. Simply put, Nike stole it and we're not happy about it. We are not yet sure what options, if any, we have to stop Nike from using our images to sell their shoes, but if you would like to direct your complaints to Nike that would be a good place to start.
You can email Nike at:
http://swoosh.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/s...nduser/ask.php
Or give them a call:
Nike World Headquarters: 1-800-344-6453 Mon- Fri 6:30 am - 4:50 pm (Pacific Time)
To longtime fans and supporters of Minor Threat and Dischord this must seem like just another familiar example of mainstream corporations attempting to to assimilate underground culture to turn a buck. However it is more disheartening to us to think that Nike may be successful in using this imagery to fool kids, just beginning to becoming familiar with skate culture, underground music and DIY ideals, into thinking that the general ethos of this label, and Minor Threat in particular, can somehow be linked to Nike's mission. In any regard, we would like to thank the many people who have written to us in the last several days to express their outrage, support and encouragement.
Many people have now noticed that Nike has appropriated the Minor Threat artwork and logo for a new skateboard demo / ad campaign. To set the record straight -- Nike never contacted Dischord to obtain permission to use this imagery, nor was any permission granted. Simply put, Nike stole it and we're not happy about it. We are not yet sure what options, if any, we have to stop Nike from using our images to sell their shoes, but if you would like to direct your complaints to Nike that would be a good place to start.
You can email Nike at:
http://swoosh.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/s...nduser/ask.php
Or give them a call:
Nike World Headquarters: 1-800-344-6453 Mon- Fri 6:30 am - 4:50 pm (Pacific Time)
To longtime fans and supporters of Minor Threat and Dischord this must seem like just another familiar example of mainstream corporations attempting to to assimilate underground culture to turn a buck. However it is more disheartening to us to think that Nike may be successful in using this imagery to fool kids, just beginning to becoming familiar with skate culture, underground music and DIY ideals, into thinking that the general ethos of this label, and Minor Threat in particular, can somehow be linked to Nike's mission. In any regard, we would like to thank the many people who have written to us in the last several days to express their outrage, support and encouragement.
#20
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Originally Posted by SFranke
Punk rock bands have been stealing corporate logos to advertise their product for a long time now. Only now when the situation is reversed has a grave injustice occurred.
Ian Mckaye has never stolen the imagery of another business. Ian's not responsible for any band outside of Dischord Records that co-opted a business's logo.
Nike is responsible when their billion dollar marketing department steals someone else's graphics.
#23
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Wieden and Kennedy = name of ad agency that Nike usually uses... no idea if they are the ones who created this ad though. They have a website... I emailed them as well.
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From: Atlanta
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Originally Posted by Brain Stew
Wow. You don't get it do you?





