New York photographer Jacobus Rentmeester is seeking unspecified monetary damages in a Jordan Brand lawsuit, claiming that Nike used his 1984 Life pictures to create the now iconic Jordan logo.
According to The Oregonian, the Jordan Brand lawsuit states Nike paid Rentmeester $150 for the temperoray use of two 35mm transparencies of Michael Jordan dunking in his trademark pose with a sunset backdrop behind him. The agreement is said that Nike was to return the images at the end of the lease, or be charged an additional $500.
About six months later in February 1985, it is alleged that Nike duplicated those images before Jordan was drafted into the NBA and eventually paid Rentmeester $15,000 for another limited lease of the image.
In 1987, the Jumpman logo was officially introduced, prompting the Brand Jordan Division to be created as it would become one of the most universally recognized basketball sneakers ever created.
Excerpts from the lawsuit fully explain Rentmeester’s case.
Over approximately one half hour, Mr. Jordan practiced leaping according to Mr. Rentmeester’s instructions. The pose differed substantially from Mr. Jordan’s natural jumps, during gameplay or otherwise (for instance, Mr. Jordan typically held the basketball with his right hand), and required practice and repeated attempts.
Mr. Jordan was enthusiastic and a quick study. Mr. Rentmeester photographed Jordan at the apex of his “grand jeté” leaps, using a Hasselblad camera with 6x6cm film, with powerful strobe lights that required specialty outdoor electricity generators to power. The large strobe lights allowed Mr. Rentmeester to photograph Mr. Jordan with the sun shining directly into the lens, creating a sharp and compelling silhouette of Mr. Jordan against a contrasting clear sky.
“Nike initially refused to speak with Mr. Rentmeester regarding the issue…and only responded to his repeated requests when Mr. Rentmeester threatened litigation.
A hefty settlement could be the potential outcome in this case.
Check out pictures of Rentmeester’s photos versus the Jumpman logo to see how well you feel his case will measure up in court.
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Photo: Jordan Brand
