Reebok isn't going out quietly.
Nike Inc. went to court March 28 and won a court order blocking Reebok from selling New York Jets apparel bearing Tim Tebow's name. Nike filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court, claiming that Reebok International Ltd. was manufacturing Tebow New York Jets-related apparel without permission after the quarterback's trade to the Jets was finalized last week. That trade occurred before April 1, when Nike replaces Reebok as the supplier of NFL team uniforms.
In the lawsuit, Nike said Reebok was damaging its ability to capitalize on a unique and short-lived opportunity, because it thought it was unlikely a consumer that purchased an unauthorized Tebow jersey or shirt from Reebok this week would then buy authorized Tebow apparel from Nike next week.
The order, which U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel issued, prevents Reebok from manufacturing, selling and shipping the alleged unauthorized apparel for the NFL team and bearing Tebow's name. It also requires Reebok to offer to buy back the apparel from retailers and recall the products from shipping outlets.
But the judge rejected Nike's request that Reebok destroy any unauthorized Tebow products. He set an April 4 hearing to discuss whether the ban should be extended.
The hearing is the day after Nike unveils its new line of NFL uniforms in, ironically, New York City.
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