Raptors star Kawhi Leonard has filed a formal lawsuit against Nike for registering and protecting the copyright of his design trademark without his consent.

Portland Business Daily reporter Matthew Kish said that on Monday local time, Leonard filed a lawsuit in a court in southern California.

Last week, New York Times reporter Mark Stein reported that the Clippers were "quietly investigating and trying to buy the rights to the Crow trademark, which belongs to Nike." Leonard will become a free agent this summer. The Clippers bought the rights to the trademark to boost hopes of landing Leonard.

Leonard sues Nike for trademark infringement?

Leonard claimed in his complaint that the trademark was an extension of one he designed and allowed Nike to use it on "certain merchandise." But Leonard said Nike applied for copyright registration without his consent.

Leonard was the spokesperson for Air Jordan (Jordan Brand owned by Nike), but the partnership ended last year. Leonard played only nine games last season and his relationship with the Spurs was at an impasse. Perhaps for this reason, the negotiations between Leonard and Nike did not go smoothly. According to previous media reports, Nike offered Leonard a four-year, $22 million contract extension, but Leonard rejected it. Later, Nike announced that they would not renew Leonard's contract after the contract expired.

Leonard sues Nike for trademark infringement?

After leaving Nike, Leonard signed an endorsement deal with another shoe manufacturer in November 2018. For Nike, they now regret it. Although Leonard remains an under-the-radar star, his performance on the court this season has earned him a lot of attention. Leonard led the Raptors to the finals for the first time this season. In the playoffs this season, he averaged 30.9 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. He's been one of the best players in the playoffs this season.

Star Leonard has great potential for commercial value development, and many netizens believe that Nike should renew his contract.