MSCHF controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2024
Our Cow Angus animal-rights debate
The tokenized cow project generated criticism from animal-rights advocates and art commentators, who questioned its treatment of animal welfare and whether it created meaningful discussion of food and fashion production.
2022
Wavy Baby litigation
Vans pursued trademark and trade-dress claims concerning MSCHF’s Wavy Baby shoes. Courts granted and affirmed preliminary relief while MSCHF raised a First Amendment defense.
2021
Satan Shoes trademark controversy
Nike alleged that the customized shoes created confusion and damaged its goodwill by implying an association with satanic imagery. The dispute ended in a settlement after temporary injunctive relief.
2021
Spot's Rampage and robot-use dispute
Boston Dynamics criticized MSCHF’s use of its Spot robot in an artwork involving a paintball gun. The project was subsequently changed and retitled.
2021
Nike settles lawsuit over Satan Shoes
Settlement
Nike settled its lawsuit with MSCHF over the Satan Shoes. The agreement states that MSCHF will recall all the shoes and remove them from circulation.
Company response
Recall — MSCHF
Source excerpt
Nike settled their lawsuit, ensuring the shoes will not make their way onto anyone's feet. They reached an agreement with MSCHF, the company that developed the shoes.
2021
MSCHF agrees to recall Satan Shoes and Jesus Shoes
Recall announced
As part of its settlement with Nike, MSCHF agreed to a voluntary recall of the Satan Shoes and also said it would recall the earlier Jesus Shoes. Customers who return the recalled shoes can receive refunds.
Stated objective. to remove them from circulation
Company response
Recall — MSCHF Product Studio Inc.
The shoe giant said that MSCHF had agreed to a voluntary recall on the sneakers, which were designed with input from the 21-year-old rapper.
Refund or compensation — MSCHF Product Studio Inc.
The custom company produced 666 pairs of the shoes but will now have to refund any customers who opt to return them as part of the recall.
Source excerpt
As part of the settlement, MSCHF will also recall those earlier sneakers and offer full refunds 'to remove them from circulation.
The shoe giant said that MSCHF had agreed to a voluntary recall on the sneakers, which were designed with input from the 21-year-old rapper.
"MSCHF has agreed to initiate a voluntary recall to buy back any Satan Shoes and Jesus Shoes for their original retail prices, to remove them from circulation," Nike said in a statement.
2021
Nike sues MSCHF over Satan Shoes
Lawsuit filed
Nike sued MSCHF over the Satan Shoes. Nike claims MSCHF tricked consumers into thinking Nike approved the shoes and alleges trademark infringement because the Nike Swoosh remains prominently featured. These are claims reported by the source, not a court determination.
Source excerpt
The shoe company says MSCHF infringed on its trademarks by selling limited-edition custom Nikes that were allegedly modified with a drop of human blood.
Nike has sued internet collective MSCHF for selling “unauthorized Satan Shoes” in collaboration with rapper Lil Nas X.
In a statement after the complaint was filed, Nike reiterated that it is in no way affiliated with the Satan Shoes.