Updated: MSCHF Says Its ‘Wavy Baby’ Sneakers Are Commentary Protected by the First Amendment
Updated, May 2:
In response to being hit with a lawsuit from Vans, MSCHF is claiming that its Wavy Baby sneakers represent a form of “commentary” and are therefore protected by the First Amendment.
Vans in April accused the Brooklyn-based art collective of copyright infringement by selling its limited edition Wavy Baby sneakers that look like a distorted version of the Vans Old-Skool silhouette. In May, Vans accused MSCHF of violating a temporary restraining order that restricts the Brooklyn-based art collective from selling the shoes in question.
In its response, MSCHF admitted that the Vans Old Skool silhouette is iconic and “therefore a ripe subject for MSCHF’s commentary through its artwork.”
A federal judge in late April ordered MSCHF to halt marketing, selling, promotion, and fulfillment for its MSCHF x Tyga “Wavy Baby” sneakers in the midst of a lawsuit regarding the shoes. According to the motion, sneaker orders that had already been placed had to be reversed or cancelled. For orders that could be cancelled, MSCHF had to escrow these funds in the event that Vans prevails in the lawsuit and MSCHF must return this money to consumers.
The preliminary injunction was meant to help prevent Vans from suffering irreparable harm due to consumer confusion before a verdict on the lawsuit was issued.
According to the Vans’ May filing, MSCHF ” continued to fulfill orders for, and ship, its infringing Wavy Baby shoes in violation of the Injunction.” Vans asked for an order of contempt and additional sanctions to make sure MSCHF follows the orders of the court.
What We Reported in April 2022:
The Brooklyn-based art collective has been hit with another lawsuit, this time from Vans. According to a lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of New York on Thursday, Vans argues that MSCHF “blatantly and unmistakably copied Vans’ trademarks and trade dress” as it relates to the marketing, advertising and product packaging for its Wavy Baby shoe.
MSCHF started marketing the shoe in question, the MSCHF x Tyga “Wavy Baby,” in March. The sneaker is set to launch April 18 and appears to be based on the classic Vans Old-Skool silhouette, though altered to feature a wave-like aesthetic throughout the shoe. The shoe features a black-based canvas upper coupled with white shoelaces and a wavy white striped overlay panel on the sides.
Vans also alleges that the name “Wavy Baby”is a play on Vans’ WAYVEE mark that the company has used since August 2021.
“The Old Skool is one of our iconic styles worn by Vans fans of all ages around the world and we remain committed to safeguarding our heritage and intellectual property,” Vans said in a statement. “While we’re unable to comment on pending litigation and are disappointed that it has reached this point, we are taking the necessary legal action.”
Vans sent a cease and desist to MSCHF prior to filing the suit. According to a statement from MSCHF, Vans also asked MSCHF to settle in return for for half of the profits generated from the sneaker as well as four pairs for themselves ahead of the launch.
“They also indicated they were willing to meet about future collaborations LMAO,” MSCHF wrote in a statement. “Turns out that they were shaking our hand at the same time they were stabbing us in the back.”