Max Verstappen’s attempts to venture into the fashion industry have suffered a severe blow.
The two-time Formula 1 world champion, 25, is looking to expand his empire as he already prepares for life after racing.
Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028 and is reportedly planning to go for some other motorsport-related goals outside of F1 once his deal expires.
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But he is also looking at the world outside of racing, with the Dutchman wanting to create a clothing brand named “Max 1”.
However, De Limburger are now reporting that Nike have taken umbrage with his proposed name.
This is because they believe it to be too similar to their “Nike: Air Max” shoe range.
A report from the region’s trademark agency, The Benelux Office for Intellectual Property, has confirmed an investigation is taking place following a complaint from Nike.
As well as concerns around the name’s similarity, Nike’s opposition also relates to styling issues.
The report states: “Both signs contain the word MAX, albeit in a different place.
In the trademarks invoked, the elements AIR and MAX have equal weight in the overall impression. In the contested sign, the emphasis is on the word MAX.
The number 1 will be regarded as a specification of MAX. To that extent the signs agree.
“The goods in question (Nike and Max) are partly identical and partly similar. Visually and aurally, there is a certain degree of similarity between the signs.
“Based on these and the other factors mentioned above and given their interdependence, the Office considers that there is a likelihood of confusion in the sense that the public may believe that the goods covered by the trade marks invoked and those of the contested sign belong to the same undertaking or, as the case may be, from economically linked companies.
“Since it is common practice in the clothing sector for the same mark to be configured in different ways, the relevant public might also think that the contested sign is a sub-mark of the opponent (Nike).”
Meanwhile, on the track, Verstappen is in a superb position to claim a third successive drivers’ championship in 2023.
After strolling to victory in Bahrain in the season opener, he managed to finish second in Saudi Arabia behind teammate Sergio Perez despite qualifying 15th due to a broken drive shaft.
Next up for the F1 paddock is the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, April 2.