7-Eleven Sues Nike Over Sneaker Color Trademark

7-Eleven has initiated a trademark lawsuit against Nike in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The complaint, filed on July 1, 2026, claims that Nike's planned Air Max 95 sneaker release infringes the convenience chain's federally registered Tri-Color Mark consisting of orange, green, and red stripes.

The retailer asserts that it has used the color combination since 1987 on store signage, merchandise, and other products. It argues the sneaker's design, combined with a July 11 release date tied to the retailer's annual promotion, creates a likelihood of confusion.

7-Eleven seeks an injunction to block the release, product recalls, and damages. Nike has not yet responded publicly, and the sneaker was reportedly removed from the SNKRS app following the filing.

The case highlights expanding trademark claims involving color schemes and brand associations in apparel.

Sources: https://ipwatchdog.com/2026/07/08/beyond-the-logo-7-eleven-v-nike-and-the-new-frontier-of-brand-identity/ https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/7-eleven-sues-nike-over-air-max-with-slurpee-makers-colors-2026-07-02/