Adidas, a very famous brand recently suffered a lot. A global sportswear giant had a famous three-stripe trademark suffered from a legal defeat in a dispute over its trademark. The case “Adidas Faces Legal Defeat in Stripe Trademark Dispute Against Thom Browne” has been resolved. When Thom Browne infringed on Adidas’s trademark who is already a big fashion brand. They say that they are using similar stripe designs in their clothing and footwear.
This is a very high-profile court battle in which Thom Browne emerged victorious. They protect their iconic brand identity from Adidas. If you want to know more in-depth, continue reading the store below.
Let’s Start With The Background of the Case
As you all know, Adidas is famous for its three-stripe design, which has become the main reason for its brand’s identity. They have been using this three-stripe design for many years. It is also featured in all its products, from shoes to clothing. They invested more in marketing and protecting its three-stripe design as a trademark all over the world.
While discussing the other side, Thom Browne is also a high-end fashion brand recognized for its products. They also use the four-stripe pattern on their products. But Adidas claimed that it was too similar to its trademarked design. So, Adidas argued that it could harm or confuse their customers. Therefore, the legal battle began in 2021, when Adidas filed a lawsuit against Thom Browne in the United States.
In The Court Battle
The case “Adidas Faces Legal Defeat in Stripe Trademark Dispute Against Thom Browne” attracted lots of attention from the market. Both sides have presented their arguments or views. Let’s see what are those arguments or views.
Firstly, Adidas argued for its three-stripe design. They have spent billions of dollars in building its brand which is instantly recognizable around the global world. This company claimed Thom Browne for using a four-striped design which will help to build its brand reputation but parallelly harm their customers. On the other side, Thom Browne said that its use of stripes was unique and unlikely to confuse consumers. They also emphasised that its brand targets a different market segment, focusing on luxury fashion rather than sportswear. The whole legal team of Thom Browne said that these two brands targeted different markets and consumers.
They have different price points and distribution channels so that both can grow with their own brands. Additionally, Thom Browne also said that they had been using a four-stripe design for many years but hadn’t heard any complaints from the side of Adidas. Adidas noted that they are using a three-stripe pattern, but when they objected, then they switched to a four-stripe pattern. Then Thom Browne said it was done to avoid any potential conflicts with Adidas’s trademark.
Do You Want To Know What Was The Court’s Point Of View?
After a few weeks of presenting evidence and having arguments. The court is in favour of Thom Browne because the jury found that the use of stripes by Thom Browne did not infringe on Adidas’s trademark. This decision was a setback for Adidas because they had to spend around $8 million in this case.
The court’s decision is based on many factors. Firstly, There is no substantial evidence which suggest that consumers would confuse Thom Browne’s four-stripe design with Adidas’s three-stripe trademark. They also focus on the differences in the targeted markets and prices. They think there is no more confusion for the consumers.
What Was The Impact On Defeated Adidas And The Winning Thom Browne?
The case “Adidas Faces Legal Defeat in Stripe Trademark Dispute Against Thom Browne” had a major impact on both sides. The legal defeat of all the efforts of Adidas in protecting their tree stripe trademark. This company aggressively defended its property and filed numerous lawsuits against other brands that became a major history. The challenges that are faced by Adidas in maintaining their rights are costly.
On the other side, the victory of Thom Browne is a milestone. Their ability to defend the use of stripes against a global giant like Adidas demonstrates its growing influence towards consumers and reputation in the fashion world. Now they can use its signature without any fear from Adidas.
Conclusion
This case “Adidas Faces Legal Defeat in Stripe Trademark Dispute Against Thom Browne” shows many complexities. The case sheds light on all the difficulties of trademark law and exclusive rights to design elements. For Adidas, it is a setback that may influence its approach to protecting its three-stripe trademark in the future.
For Thom Browne, the victory serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing brand protection. If you also want to protect your designs, then we as a team help you maintain all the legal formalities. Our professionals who have years of experience work according to your concerts.