Adidas sues Australian fashion label White Fox over four-stripe clothing design
Sportswear giant Adidas has filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court against Australian fast-fashion label White Fox. Adidas alleges that White Fox's four-striped clothing design is deceptively similar to its trademarked three-stripe logo and intended to trade off its reputation. White Fox denied any trademark breach in court, with a trial expected early next year.
Key points
- Adidas is suing White Fox in the Federal Court over a four-striped clothing design.
- Adidas claims the design is deceptively similar to its trademarked three-stripe logo, registered in Australia since 1957.
- White Fox lawyers denied any breach of trademark and intend to argue that other prominent brands also sell clothes with similar decorative stripes.
- A three to four-day trial is expected to take place early next year.
What happened
Sportswear giant Adidas has taken legal action against Australian online fast-fashion label White Fox, accusing the company of selling and advertising clothes featuring a four-striped design that it argues is deceptively similar to its own distinct logo. According to Adidas, it repeatedly asked White Fox to stop selling and promoting the garments starting in March, but the Sydney-based retailer refused.
In the Federal Court, lawyers for Adidas argued that White Fox acted with the intention to trade off the sportswear brand's reputation. Adidas is seeking damages, requesting that White Fox pay over profits from the disputed products along with interest and costs.
Context
White Fox's legal representatives denied any breach of trademark during court proceedings before Justice Ian Jackman. While a formal defence has not yet been lodged, lawyers indicated the firm plans to argue that other prominent Australian brands, such as Cotton On, Sportscraft, and Glassons, also sell clothing with similar decorative stripes.
Adidas stated that its three-striped design holds a substantial and valuable reputation in Australia, where it has been trademarked since 1957. The German sportswear brand previously succeeded in a 2013 lawsuit against Pacific Brands in Australia over shoes featuring four stripes.
What's next
A three to four-day trial is scheduled to take place early next year in the Federal Court to resolve the trademark dispute.
Why it matters
The lawsuit highlights how major sportswear brands fiercely protect their trademarked visual assets against fast-fashion competitors, carrying financial implications for fast-growing retailers that rely heavily on social media and influencer marketing.
What we know
- Adidas filed a lawsuit against White Fox in the Federal Court alleging trademark infringement over a four-striped clothing design.
- White Fox lawyers denied any breach of trademark in court.
- Adidas is seeking damages, including profits from the products, interest, and costs.
- A three to four-day trial is expected to take place early next year.
