US Edition
Columbia Sportswear sues Columbia University, alleging merchandise too similar and causes confusion
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OREGON, AUG 2 – Columbia Sportswear alleges Columbia University violated a 2023 contract on trademark use, causing customer confusion and seeking damages and product recalls, according to court filings.
- On June 13, 2023, Columbia Sportswear sued Columbia University in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon for trademark infringement, unfair competition and breach of contract.
- Last year, Columbia University’s webstore offered apparel bearing only 'Columbia', violating the 2023 agreement, attorneys for Columbia Sportswear allege.
- The complaint seeks a jury trial, monetary damages, and an order for the university to recall products, donate remaining merchandise, and be barred from using the 'Columbia' trademark alone.
- The suit asserts misappropriation causes irreparable harm to Columbia Sportswear’s registered mark, with many garments featuring a 'confusingly similar' bright blue hue, attorneys say.
- Following the lawsuit, the company is set to announce its second quarter earnings Thursday after reporting a 1% sales increase to $778.5 million in Q1 and withdrawing its full-year outlook.
14 Articles
14 Articles
The Independent
The Independent (US)Columbia Sportswear sues Columbia University claiming merchandise is too similar
Columbia Sportswear claims Columbia University breached a deal the entities made in 2023 establishing how the word “Columbia” could be used on college merchandise
New York Post
DNyuzColumbia Sportswear sues Columbia University over merch in latest legal battle for Ivy
For decades, T-shirts, sweatshirts and other clothing under the Columbia Sportswear brand and clothing emblazoned with the Columbia University name coexisted more or less peacefully without confusion.
Associated Press News
Columbia Sportswear sues Columbia University, alleging merchandise too similar and causes confusion
Portland, Oregon-based outerwear retailer Columbia Sportswear has sued Columbia University over alleged trademark infringement and a breach of contract, saying that the university’s merchandise looks too similar to its own offerings and can confuse shoppers.
Portland-based Columbia Sportswear sues Columbia University, alleging merchandise too similar and causes confusion
NEW YORK — Outerwear retailer Columbia Sportswear has sued Columbia University over alleged trademark infringement and a breach of contract, saying that the university’s merchandise looks too similar
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