"This is an unfortunate situation where a large brand such as Nike, which aggressively protects its own intellectual property, has chosen to leverage another brand for its own gain. The Postal Service is disappointed in Nike’s lack of response to repeated attempts to come to a solution. The Postal Service will take whatever actions it deems necessary to protect its valuable IP rights.”
Do as we say not as we do. Just do it.
Actually, a government agency like the US Postal Service calling themselves a brand and wasting money sponsoring athletes (Lance's Tour de France team) is a misuse of taxpayer money. They should be 100% focused on the reliability of their primary product, which is delivering the mail on time. "No matter rain, nor sleet, nor snow... the USPS delivers" used be their mantra. Have you sent a package with them in the past 2 or 3 years and tracked it? The USPS is now a perfect example of government inefficiency.
So, should USPS be upset that Nike modeled a shoe after their "brand" of s—? I would think they should see it more of a compliment. The bigger question is why Nike would want to associated itself with USPS in any way given their poor performance and reputation?
Maybe it's Nike reflecting it's own decline?
Or maybe everyone has lost their sense of humor?
Out of curiosity I just did a quick Google search on this topic and apparently there is some legitimate disagreement as to whether or not a government agency can even own a trademark. It’s interesting.
https://www.ac-legal.com/can-government-entity-trademark-insignia/