Trademark news and archive

Patagonia sues drag queen and activist Pattie Gonia for trademark infringement

A legal dispute is underway between the sportswear and accessories brand Patagonia and the American drag queen Pattie Gonia. On January 21, Patagonia filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Pattie Gonia, citing a need to respect intellectual property. Patagonia stated in its complaint at the federal court of California that the artist,...

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Designing on trend: What Deity Shoes tells fashion law in 2026

Fashion never moves in a straight line. It loops. Trends resurface, silhouettes return and “new” designs often feel suspiciously familiar. Shoes, bags and garments evolve through seasons, references and visual languages. In an industry built on remixing, the line between inspiration and infringement is rarely obvious. So, when designs start to...

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Supreme Court denies to hear Vetements trademark dispute over name

Vetements will not be bringing the trademark dispute over its name to the US Supreme Court. Justices have declined to hear the luxury label’s petition to reconsider a low court’s decision to block trademark applications on the grounds of using “foreign equivalents”. This is just the latest setback in Vetements’ now long-running attempt to...

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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...