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Posted on 08/01/2025 5:33:20 PM PDT by xxqqzz
NEW YORK (AP) — 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.
In a lawsuit filed July 23 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, Columbia Sportswear, whose roots date back to 1938, alleges that the Ivy League university intentionally violated an agreement the parties signed on June 13, 2023. That agreement dictated how the university could use the word “Columbia” on its own apparel and accessories.
As part of the pact, the university could feature “Columbia” on its merchandise provided that the name included a recognizable school insignia or its mascot, the word “university,” the name of the academic department or the founding year of the university — 1754 — or a combination.
Columbia Sportswear clothing is sold at more than 800 retail locations including more than 150 of its branded stores as well as its website and third-party marketplaces.
But Columbia Sportswear alleges the university breached the agreement a little more than a year later, with the Portland, Oregon-based company noticing several garments without any of the school logos being sold at the Columbia University online store.
The lawsuit offered photos of some of the Columbia University items that say only Columbia.
“The likelihood of deception, confusion, and mistake engendered by the university’s misappropriation and misuse of the Columbia name is causing irreparable harm to the brand and goodwill symbolized by Columbia Sportswear’s registered mark Columbia and the reputation for quality it embodies,” the lawsuit alleged.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
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Colleges and Universities are “brands” now. And they guard them zealously. I wouldn’t surprised if Columbia University to countersues for the same reason.
I admit I don’t get out much.
But i’ve never heard of Columbia Sportswear. I would not have known they have a certain brand name, or brand image, they are trying to protect.
Never thought of that - maybe I should get in the action against both these bunch of thieves....
I would assume it is just as over priced.
Columbia outerwear is a big brand and have been around for quite a while.
I always wonder why no-one ever calls out Columbia Sportswear for basically using a swastika as their logo.
How have you never heard of Columbia Sportswear?
I don’t believe you.
“wait a sec .... There are sneakers by a company called Nike? I only thought those were missile systems built for the cold war!”
... Said no one
I’m sorry??
I had never heard of them. Sorry....
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