American sportswear giant Nike has filed a lawsuit against Hong Kong artist Edison Chen, accusing him of breaching a contract and demanding damages totalling approximately US$126.6 million — equivalent to about S$162 million.
The case was filed on 11 August 2025 at the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Details of the alleged breach have not yet been disclosed, but the news has attracted significant attention in the fashion and entertainment industries.
Edison Chen and Nike’s Longstanding Partnership
Edison Chen co-founded the streetwear brand CLOT in Hong Kong between 2003 and 2004, blending Eastern cultural elements with Western streetwear styles. The brand gained international recognition for its unique designs and collaborations.
From 2006, CLOT worked with Nike to release multiple co-branded sneaker collections, forming a partnership that lasted nearly two decades and influenced streetwear trends worldwide.
Recent Changes and the Legal Dispute
In 2023, reports emerged that Edison Chen’s partnership with Nike was ending. That same year, Chen announced a collaboration with Adidas during Shanghai Fashion Week. CLOT subsequently launched a joint collection with Adidas in early 2024.
The lawsuit names Edison Chen personally as the defendant, excluding CLOT and Adidas from the claim. Neither party has released official statements on the matter.
This legal dispute represents a major moment in Edison Chen’s career as he continues to leave a mark on global fashion.