San Leandro, CA – Skate Industry News: The Screaming Hand Controversy

The Santa Cruz Skateboards brand, distributed by NHS, is the oldest continuous skateboard company in the world, founded by Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman.

The “Screaming Hand”, designed by Jim Phillips Sr. in 1985, is the main logo of the Santa Cruz brand. The logo has become a skateboarding icon and is recognized widely throughout the skateboarding community; in 2015–16, its 30th anniversary was celebrated with a touring exhibition. As of February 2013, Phillips’s son Jimbo also designs artwork for the Santa Cruz brand.

A controversy arose in February 2013, following Jeremy Scott showing clothing and accessories at New York Fashion Week that featured designs very similar to the Phillipses’ on clothing designed by Jeremy Scott. There was an outcry from Santa Cruz artists, as well as the skateboarding sub-culture, and Bob Denike stated: “It’s obvious to us, the Phillips family, the fans of Jim Phillips Sr. and Jimbo Phillips, and fans of the brand Santa Cruz Skateboards, as well as many in the global skateboard and skate art community that there is clear and obvious infringement by Mr. Scott.”

The matter was settled in September with Scott admitting error and the items being destroyed.

Scott issued the following statement: “I regret that certain pieces of my February 2013 Fall Winter fashion line incorporated imagery that was similar to images owned by NHS and Messrs. Phillips. I now recognize my mistake and out of respect to their work and their rights, the clothing and handbags at issue will not be produced or distributed.” Denike on the settlement: “We have to protect our intellectual property and trademarks, copyrights and brands and we have to stand behind our artists and skateboarders. Jeremy Scott admits to what he did and agreed to have all the items retrieved and destroyed. He states that in a press release, and I do not think that was easy for him to agree to do.”

On the question whether or not there was also a financial compensation in place Denike responds: “No comment on the financial aspects of the settlement.”