Heavy metal behemoths Van Halen are suing Nike for copyright infringement because their new brand of shoes looks like one of Eddie Van Halen's guitars.

ELVH, Van Halen's company, have claimed that sportswear giant's new design of shoe, the Nike Dunk Lows, boast a red trim criscrossed with black and white lines that rips off Eddie's Frankenstrat guitar, which is red with zigzagging white and black stripes.

The band, who copyrighted the pattern used on the guitar in 2001, claim they have suffered "irreparable harm and damage" since Nike released the shoes.

They have submitted court papers asking for damages, confiscation of profits, and the seizure and destruction of the entire run of shoes.

A spokesperson for Nike insisted that "Nike's Dunk shoe design is not substantially similar to any of the Van Halen designs, and Nike has not referenced the 'Van Halen' name or image as part of any marketing campaign or promotional material associated with the shoe.

"Based on the information provided to us, we have not infringed on any rights held by Mr Van Halen."