Nike Sued Adidas And Zheng Zhi For Joint Default Claims Of 8 Million Yuan

Yesterday (15), a Shanghai intermediate people's court held a case of Nike suing Adidas and Chinese star Zheng Zhi for breach of contract.

In the trial, the original defendants provided evidence only for the factual part, and no court debate had yet been carried out.

The court will open the court tomorrow to continue hearing the case.

In 2003, soccer star Zheng Zhi signed a contract with Nike to become a sponsor of Nike until the end of 2007.

However, since 2005, Zheng Zhi has used Adidas's sporting goods and brand promotion activities in the competition, which is Adidas's brand spokesperson.

Zheng Zhi thought that during the validity period of the contract, Nike thought that "two feet on the boat", together with Adidas, carried out the breach of contract and violated the economic interests of Nike company. Then a complaint filed a lawsuit against Zheng Zhi and Adidas to sue the court, demanding that the infringement be stopped and compensation for the economic loss of 8 million yuan.

It is understood that disputes arising from sponsorship agreements between the two international sporting goods such as Nike and Adidas and Chinese international Zheng Zhi have been tried in the Chaoyang District court of Beijing, and Nike has finally withdrawn the lawsuit automatically because of insufficient evidence.

The Nike sued again in Shanghai court. Adidas thought that Zheng Zhi and Nike were the first to terminate the contract, which was totally "unreasonable" by Nike.

Zheng Zhi said that the contract signed with Adidas was effective and did not infringe Nike's rights and interests. He would continue to carry out the contract.

In order to enhance brand awareness, Nike signed a sponsorship contract with Shandong Luneng Taishan team in July 2003 to the end of 2007 in July 2003.

The contract requires Zheng Zhi not to wear or use similar products of other companies while participating in sports or sports related activities except for the activities of the Chinese national team (sponsored by Adidas), nor can he speak for other similar manufacturers.

According to Nike, in August 2004, Zheng Zhi suddenly proposed to amend the terms of the contract and asked for an increase in remuneration, but was refused by Nike.

In March 9, 2005, Shandong Luneng Taishan football club went to Japan to participate in the Champions League of Asian football clubs. Zheng Zhi appeared in Adidas shoes.

In March 18th, Zheng Zhi issued a written notice to terminate the "sponsorship contract" to Nike company. After that, he went to Shanghai, Beijing and other places to participate in Adidas's commercial activities in Adidas shoes and clothing.

In May 2006, the Internet media published a statement by Adidas that publicly declared that Zheng Zhi had become his "exclusive player".

[defense statement] Zheng Zhi: Nike is in arrears with compensation. Before the pfer, Adidas has been terminated: Zheng Zhi's endorsement as a national identity is right for Nike's company, Adidas and Zheng Zhijun deny it.

Zheng Zhi's attorney said that because Nike had repeatedly delayed payment of remuneration, in March 18, 2005, Zheng Zhi issued a letter of termination to Nike company on the basis of the relevant provisions of the sponsorship agreement, and unilaterally offered to terminate the contract.

After resuming the "free body", he signed a contract with Adidas again, and this behavior is lawful.

Adidas said in court that Zheng Zhi and Nike had terminating the contract before signing a contract with Adidas.

Moreover, Adidas is a sponsor of the Chinese national team, and Zheng Zhi, as a member of the Chinese national team, is also taking part in the activities and matches assigned by the Chinese Football Association in the Adidas sporting goods.