Adidas had intended to claim damages of more than $7.8 million (Rs 63 crore).
Sportswear brand Adidas has lost a trademark infringement lawsuit against American luxury fashion brand Thom Browne Inc. Adidas has claimed that Thom Browne’s four stripes are too similar to its three stripes, according to a report in BBC. Browne argues that his brand has several distinct stripes and that it is difficult for consumers to mix the two brands. Adidas had intended to claim damages of more than $7.8 million (Rs 63 crore), but the New York jury decided in Browne’s favor.
Three stripes are a common feature in Adidas designs while Browne creations are characteristic
four horizontal, parallel stripes encircling the sleeves.
The legal team for Browne has positioned him as the underdog when facing a powerful corporation and argues that the two brands serve different markets. Thom Browne Inc. It produces high-end clothing for affluent clients, and sportswear does not dominate the company’s designs, according to the BBC. In addition, the fashion brand’s attorneys assert that the stripes form a typical pattern.
The conflict started 15 years ago. When Browne used a three-stripe pattern on his jacket in 2007, Adidas objected because it was too similar to their own. Browne decided to abandon it and switch to the four-stripe motif. Adidas hasn’t objected to that in years, but when Browne gained traction after its 2018 sale and started to venture more into activewear, the sportswear giant took notice.
As reported by Reuters, Thom Browne said confusion between the companies’ designs is unlikely because they “operate in different markets, serve different customers and offer different products.” their prices at amazingly different prices.”
According to the case documents, Adidas has filed more than 200 settlement agreements and has been involved in more than 90 lawsuits related to its trademark since 2008.
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