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US Supreme Court urged to reject Vetements trademark appeal

A representative for the US government has urged the Supreme Court to decline Vetements’ attempt to register its name as a trademark in the region. In a newly filed petition, solicitor general John Sauer has backed an initial decision by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in 2021 to deny the registration due to the generic nature of the...

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Quince scores partial win against Deckers in Ugg dispute

A federal judge has granted luxury label Quince a partial victory in its ongoing legal battle with Deckers Outdoor Corporation, the parent company of Ugg boots. The US District Court for the Northern District of California ruled that two of Deckers’ claimed Ugg trade dresses, the Classic Ultra Mini and the Tasman, are generic and therefore not...

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New petition in the UK seeks protection for models against unauthorised use of AI

A new petition has been launched in a bid to protect models from the unauthorised use of artificial intelligence (AI). The fast-growing technology, which remains largely unregulated, has raised concerns over its potential to exploit a model by creating their likeness without their permission. Established by the British Fashion Model Agents...

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UK government launches consultation to reform IP protection for design sector

The UK government has launched a new comprehensive consultation to explore potential reforms for the region’s design sector, with a particular focus on modernising intellectual property (IP) protection in a post-Brexit landscape. With this, the government said it is seeking expertise from the UK’s design community, from independent creators to...

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Vetements takes trademark fight to US Supreme Court

French fashion brand Vetements has turned to the US Supreme Court with a request to review a trademark case. The company is challenging a decision by a lower court that rejected its trademark application for the name ‘Vetements’. At the crux of the issue is the question of whether the brand name, which means ‘clothing’ in French, can be...

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Kizik brings legal dispute with Skechers to Europe

HandsFree Labs (HFL), the parent company of Kizik, has extended its legal dispute with Skechers USA to Europe, where it has now filed a trademark infringement complaint with the Unified Patent Court in Munich, Germany. In the complaint, issued by Fast IP, LLC – the intellectual property (IP) holding company of HFL – and seen by WWD, a disputed...

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“Brat Green” and beyond: What fashion designers can learn about colour trade marks

When Charli XCX dropped her album “Brat” last year, she didn’t just spark a music frenzy - she launched a colour moment. The acid-lime shade dubbed “Brat Green” flooded social media, merchandise, beauty and fashion. Designers such as Prada, McQueen and Fendi adopted the colour, making it one of 2024’s defining visuals. Fast forward to Summer...

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Labubu vs. 7-11: Global boom fuels Pop Mart's legal offensive against imitators

Labubu, a fluffy-eared elf character with a wide-toothy grin, has become the unassuming centrepiece of an intellectual property dispute. Once a niche collectible, the keychain figurine has evolved into a fashion-forward accessory that has garnered a cult-like following, and competitors have taken notice. Now, Pop Mart, the Chinese toy giant...

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Lululemon accuses Costco of IP infringement in new lawsuit

Lululemon has filed a lawsuit against Costco Wholesale Corp. accusing the wholesale retailer of infringing on its intellectual property (IP). According to the Canadian sportswear giant, Costco is selling knockoffs of six of its signature products, including its Scuba hoodies and sweatshirts and ABC pants. In the 49-page lawsuit, filed with a...

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Umbro owner Iconix loses appeal in trademark case against Dream Pairs

Iconix, the parent company of sportswear brand Umbro, has lost an appeal in a legal dispute over trademarks against footwear manufacturer Dream Pairs. The UK Supreme Court has allowed the appeal filed by Dream Pairs, which had challenged an initial ruling over logo design. The case comes in regards to two registered trademarks held by Iconix for...

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Nike and Shoe Surgeon settle trademark dispute

Sportswear giant Nike has secured a permanent injunction against the Shoe Surgeon. The duo entered a confidential agreement to settle a trademark infringement and counterfeiting case, initially filed by Nike, as well as a defamation counterclaim sought by the Shoe Surgeon. A proposed judgement has been filed with the US District Court for the...

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How to avoid a sad beige ending: Lessons drawn from the 'Sad Beige Influencer' case

How can a trailblazer influencer protect themselves from others who mimic their style to unfair commercial advantage? A short, sharp answer is to build a ‘brand’, not just an ‘aesthetic’. Vague claims and vanilla imagery don’t stand up in court. To be effectively enforced, intellectual property needs to be concrete, specific, and original –...