Behind the Laces: Sneaker Law Firm CEO Shares Expertise in Bloomberg Law, Wall Street Journal and Numerous Podcasts
Sydney Nicole Gifford has filed a lawsuit accusing another content creator, Alyssa Shiel, of copying her TikTok, Instagram and Amazon Storefront posts. Why is Nike suing the Shoe Surgeon?!
Dear Sneaker Legal Family,
There's always so much going on in the sneaker and streetwear industry. This month, I'm excited to share that I've been featured in Bloomberg Law and the Wall Street Journal. I discuss key issues like trademarks and trade dress for their latest article on The Shoe Surgeon. Check it out for a good synopsis and break down of trademark disputes and intellectual property rights, that aim to shape the future of sneaker and streetwear law.
😱 Dior pays a supplier around $57 to manufacture a handbag that sells in stores for around $2,780, according to The Wall Street Journal. Check out my insta post.



“A legal spat between two social media rivals could “change the influencer game as we know it,” legal experts told The Post.” Sydney Nicole Gifford has filed a lawsuit accusing Alyssa Shiel, of copying her TikTok, Instagram and Amazon Storefront posts.
Dive into these issues to learn more about how our firm is protecting and advocating for your creative and business ventures.
Shoot me an email at Zak@sneakerlawfirm.com if you have any questions.
All the best,
Zak Kurtz, Principal Attorney/Founder Sneaker Law Firm, PLLC
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I spoke with the Wall Street Journal about trademarks and trade dress for their latest article on The Shoe Surgeon. Check it out for a good synopsis and break down. 👟⚖️
It was fun speaking with June Grasso on @bloomberglaw podcast about the Nike v. The Shoe Surgeon case. We broke down the legal claims against Dom and discussed other customization cases in sneakers and other industries. Check out the pod on Apple, Spotify or other podcast networks and let me know your thoughts! My segment starts at 26 minutes in if you want to jump straight to it below. 👟⚖️




This is a super interesting case that could provide a precedent and change how influencers do business. 👀 🤔
24 yr old Texas influencer, Sydney Nicole Gifford, with more than 500,000 followers has filed what could be a first-of-its-kind lawsuit accusing another content creator, Alyssa Shiel, of copying her TikTok, Instagram and Amazon Storefront posts.
According to the Complaint in Texas, the two met in Austin in December 2022. Shortly after a joint photo shoot in January 2023, Sheil blocked Gifford and started to copy her content. She alleges that at least 30 photos and videos across different platforms were copied with the identical style, tone, camera angle and/or text. Gifford sent Cease & Desist letters and even filed complaints with online platforms, getting images and posts taken down.
Sydney’s lawyer, Kirsten Kumar said, “… This case is significant because it asks the court to apply long-standing principles of the law to modern-day challenges surrounding online content creation.” If the lawsuit is successful in Sydney’s favor, it could be a game change for influencers and how they operate currently.
Added some 🔥🔥🔥🔥 to the sleeves of our trademarked Talk Is Cheap®️T-shirt and hoodie. What do you think?
Limited edition. Get them before they are gone!






*All merchandise is custom one of a kind limited edition.
Join us on socials to keep updated about sneaker and streetwear legal and business services!
Instagram: @Sneakerlegal * Facebook: Sneaker and Streetwear Legal Services * Threads: SneakerLegal * Website: Https://www.sneaker.legal * LinkedIn: Zak Kurtz