Nike is a globally recognized name, primarily associated with sportswear, footwear, and athletic performance. When people hear the name "Nike," they often think of running shoes, basketball sneakers, and the iconic Swoosh logo. However, in recent years, many consumers have noticed another product carrying the same name: Nike perfume. This has led to a common question — Is Nike perfume really made by the Nike we all know? The answer is more complex than it appears.
The Nike Brand: A Brief Overview
Nike, Inc., based in Beaverton, Oregon, USA, is the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel. Founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports and officially becoming Nike, Inc. in 1971, the company has grown into a symbol of athletic excellence, innovation, and cultural impact. The Swoosh logo and the "Just Do It" slogan are instantly recognizable around the world.
Nike, Inc. has expanded into various areas of sports-related products, including clothing, gear, and accessories. However, one thing it has not directly ventured into is the fragrance industry.
Nike Perfume: A Different Entity
Despite the name, Nike perfumes are not produced, owned, or endorsed by Nike, Inc. Instead, they are created and distributed by a completely separate company known as Nike Perfumes, owned by De Ruy Perfumes, a Spanish company.
Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Barcelona, De Ruy Perfumes specializes in the creation and distribution of affordable and accessible fragrances. In the 1990s, the company obtained the rights to use the Nike name for perfumes and personal care products in several global markets — entirely independent of the American Nike sportswear brand.
This licensing arrangement is legal and legitimate, and it falls under the category of trademark licensing, a common practice in global business. Essentially, De Ruy Perfumes has permission to use the "Nike" name in certain industries and markets, as long as it does not create confusion with Nike, Inc.’s core business — sportswear and athletic goods.
Why Is This Allowed? The Complex World of Trademarks
Trademarks are territorial and product-specific. This means a company can register a name like "Nike" for a particular category (like sports apparel), while another company might register the same name for a completely different category (like perfumes or software) in a different region.
In the case of Nike perfume, De Ruy Perfumes holds the rights to the Nike name in the fragrance and body care sector in specific regions, such as parts of Europe, Asia, and Latin America. These rights do not infringe upon the trademark rights of Nike, Inc., as long as both brands operate in distinct markets and avoid misleading consumers.
To avoid legal issues, Nike perfumes are carefully marketed to avoid association with Nike, Inc.'s branding, beyond the shared name. For example, they often do not use the Swoosh logo or the “Just Do It” slogan — instead, they have their own visual identity.
Consumer Confusion: A Global Challenge
Despite legal separation, many consumers understandably believe that Nike perfumes are associated with the American athletic brand. This confusion arises because:
The name is the same.
The packaging often has a sporty aesthetic.
Both brands are sold in overlapping retail environments (department stores, online platforms, etc.).
However, this confusion is usually cleared up with a closer look at the branding, packaging, or company details on the product label. In most cases, Nike perfumes will include the phrase “De Ruy Perfumes” or have a different corporate address, indicating that it's not part of Nike, Inc.
What Are Nike Perfumes Like?
Nike perfumes by De Ruy Perfumes are known for being affordable, youthful, and casual. The scents often have sporty, fresh, and vibrant notes, catering to a younger demographic. They offer a wide range of body sprays, eau de toilettes, and deodorants for men and women, typically priced in the budget to mid-range category.
Some popular Nike perfumes include:
Nike Red for Men
Nike Up or Down
Nike Trendy Collection
Nike Woman Blue
These products are widely available in markets such as India, Spain, and other parts of Europe and Asia. Their appeal often lies in being cost-effective daily wear perfumes rather than luxury or designer fragrances.
Final Verdict: Is Nike Perfume Part of Nike, Inc.?
No, Nike perfume is not part of Nike, Inc. It is produced by a completely separate company, De Ruy Perfumes, which owns the rights to the Nike name in the perfume and personal care space in certain markets. While they share the same name, they are unrelated in terms of ownership, branding, and business operations.
This situation highlights the complexities of global branding and trademark law — and how two companies can legally share a name under very specific conditions.
So, Should You Buy Nike Perfume?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, sporty fragrance and you understand that it’s not affiliated with the American Nike brand, Nike perfumes can be a good option. They offer a variety of scents that are accessible and pleasant, particularly for everyday use.
However, if you're seeking a product that reflects the high-performance ethos and branding of Nike, Inc., it’s important to understand that these perfumes are unrelated to the Swoosh-backed company and should be viewed as their own separate brand.