Nike sues Clot founder Edison Chen over alleged unpaid goods worth over $126K

Nike Inc. has filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Edison Chen, founder and creative director of streetwear brand Clot, in a federal district court in Los Angeles. Also named as a defendant is Juice Los Angeles LLC, owned by Chen.

According to the filing, Nike is seeking $126,615.58 for goods supplied to Juice. Chen was included as a defendant as the personal guarantor of Juice’s account with Nike. Both Chen and Juice Los Angeles are based in Los Angeles.

A Nike spokesperson could not be reached as the company’s offices are closed for “wellness week,” and Chen’s representatives did not respond to requests for comment.

Chen’s partnership with Nike spanned two decades, beginning in 2006 with the release of the Air Max 1 “Kiss of Death,” a design that remains highly sought after in the resale market. The collaboration included multiple notable releases, such as silk Air Force 1s and the Clot x Nike “Clotez” Cortez, inspired by Bruce Lee’s iconic yellow jumpsuit.

In 2023, during Shanghai Fashion Week, it was revealed that Chen would partner with Adidas. The collaboration, branded as Adidas Originals by Edison Chen, launched in 2024. Recent releases include the Clot x Adidas Gazelle and Clot x Adidas Stan Smith, with further launches expected, including the Clot x Adidas Anthony Edwards 1.

While the reasons behind the end of Chen’s Nike partnership remain unclear, industry sources at the time suggested it was due to the natural conclusion of their contract. Clot, based in Hong Kong, was one of Nike’s most significant partners in Asia, often incorporating Chinese cultural themes into its designs.

The case marks a legal turn in a long-standing relationship between one of the world’s largest sportswear brands and a key creative figure in global streetwear.