Adidas, the renowned sportswear giant, has suffered a legal setback in its battle against luxury brand Thom Browne Inc concerning the use of stripes on clothing. The trial, held in Manhattan, concluded with the jury ruling that Thom Browne’s parallel stripe designs do not violate Adidas’ signature three-stripe trademark.
The dispute originated in 2021 when Adidas filed a lawsuit against Thom Browne, alleging that the four-bar and “Grosgrain” stripe patterns showcased on its footwear and high-end activewear were infringing on Adidas’ trademark rights. However, Thom Browne successfully argued that its designs featured a different number of stripes, thereby eliminating any possibility of confusion among consumers.
Following the verdict, an Adidas spokesperson expressed disappointment but assured that the company would continue safeguarding its intellectual property rights by exploring potential avenues for appeal. Conversely, a representative for Thom Browne Inc expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
This is not the first time Adidas has resorted to legal action to protect its three-stripe trademark. Court documents reveal that the company has initiated over 90 lawsuits and settled over 200 cases since 2008. In the past, Thom Browne had initially employed a three-bar design on its clothing; however, after facing objections from Adidas in 2007, the brand altered it to a four-stripe design.
Thom Browne argued that the likelihood of confusion between the two brands’ designs was exceedingly low due to their distinct markets, target clientele, and pricing. They further emphasized that stripes are a prevalent design element within the fashion industry.
Adidas sought damages exceeding $7.8 million from Thom Browne, in addition to punitive damages and a portion of Thom Browne’s sales alleged to have infringed on the trademark. Furthermore, Adidas requested a court order to prohibit Thom Browne from utilizing the disputed designs.
This trial’s outcome underscores the intricate nature of trademark disputes within the fashion industry. It serves as a reminder that even well-established brands like Adidas must provide compelling evidence of infringement to effectively safeguard their trademarks. For Thom Browne, the verdict reaffirms the integrity of their design choices and their commitment to catering to a distinct market.
Useful links:
1. Adidas Official Website
2. Thom Browne Official Website
