Adidas And Thom Browne Engage in Legal Clash Over Trademark Disagreements

Adidas and the fashion brand Thom Browne have returned to the courtroom to resolve their conflict regarding trademarked striped patterns.

Last year, Thom Browne initiated legal proceedings against Adidas in London, aiming to invalidate several Adidas trademarks that include their distinctive three striped logo.

The New York-based company argued that Adidas was trying to monopolize the use of stripes on apparel, as detailed by Reuters.

Adidas has now filed a counterclaim against Thom Browne, alleging that they breached their trademarks by marketing activewear and casual items with four stripes. Adidas claims Thom Browne is exploiting its brand recognition for personal profit.

With the trial concluding next week, Philip Roberts, the legal representative for Thom Browne, accused Adidas of utilizing particular trademarks as “Trojan horses” to hinder other brands from incorporating stripes into their merchandise.

Conversely, Charlotte May, the attorney representing Adidas, argued that Thom Browne’s expansion into sportswear in 2020 directly jeopardized Adidas’ primary operations.

Adidas faced a legal setback last year when they did not succeed in a case against Thom Browne, as the jury determined that Thom Browne’s utilization of parallel lines did not infringe upon Adidas’ three-striped trademark nor cause confusion among consumers.

In a different lawsuit, Nike also secured a partial triumph over Adidas in a disagreement over the three-stripe trademark during a recent appeal session.

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