Basketball icon Michael Jordan has sued Chinese sportswear and footwear manufacturer Qiaodan Sports Co. Ltd. over the unauthorized use of his name and identity, he said Thursday. Qiaodan Sports is accused of using Jordan's jersey number, 23, and Chinese name without his permission.

The company, which has between 4,000 and 5,000 specialty stores in China, has filed more than 100 trademarks referencing Jordan's name and his sons' names, according to a statement. “It is deeply disappointing to see a company build a business off my Chinese name without my permission, use the number 23 and even attempt to use the names of my children,” Jordan said in a statement. “I am taking this action to preserve ownership of my name and my brand.”