Adidas loses court battle against fashion designer Thom Browne over striped design | World News

Adidas lost a court case against New York fashion designer Thom Browne after suing over a striped design.

A jury in Manhattan said Adidas could not prove that Thom Browne had infringed the sportswear giant’s three-stripe trademark.

The jury found that the fashion house’s parallel stripe designs were unlikely to cause consumers confusion with Adidas products.

Thom Browne had argued that, among other things, his designs have a different number of stripes, and that stripes are a common design element for clothing.

Fashion designer Thom Browne is seen wearing four-striped socks outside Manhattan federal courthouse.  Photo: AP

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Fashion designer Thom Browne arrived in court wearing socks that showcased his striped design. Photo: AP

The designer’s sportswear features four parallel stripes that wrap around the arm or leg of shorts and sweatshirts.

Adidas sued the brand in 2021, claiming its four-bar stripe and “Grosgrain” patterns on its high-end shoes and sportswear violated its three-stripe trademark rights.

The German company has filed more than 90 lawsuits and signed more than 200 settlement agreements since 2008 related to the brand, according to court documents in the case.

Thom Browne previously used a three-bar design on his clothing, changing it to the four-stripe design after Adidas objected in 2007.

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An Adidas spokesperson said the company was disappointed with the jury’s decision, but that it “will continue to monitor compliance with our intellectual property, including filing any appropriate appeals.”

A Thom Browne Inc spokesman said the company was pleased with the verdict.

Designer Thom Browne arrives at Manhattan Federal Court in New York

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Designer Thom Browne (R) arrives at Manhattan Federal Court in New York

The fashion house said confusion between the companies’ designs was unlikely because they “operate in different markets, serve different customers and offer their products at strikingly different prices.”

Adidas had planned to ask the jury for more than $7.8 million in damages, plus additional punitive damages and a portion of Thom Browne’s infringing sales, according to a court filing.

He also requested an injunction preventing Thom Browne from using the designs.

Source: news.google.com