Nike has allegedly stolen the cover design of a classic US punk album and used it to promote its Skateboarding tour. So says the record label that published the album. Why am I not surprised. The accusation is aimed at Nike Skateboarding's Major Threat 2005 East Coast Tour, which is promoting its products to skateboarding enthusiasts, and points out major similarities between Nike's design and the cover of Minor Threat's 1984 debut album, which is considered a classic in punk circles.
Left: The 1984 album cover. Right: The 2005 Nike campaign In response to a question from online indie music magazine Pitchfork, a representative from Minor Threat's label, Dischord Records said, "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 ... It's disgusting." [Digit Mag]
