Over the years, Adidas has become one of the most iconic athletic brands, so it's understandable that it would want to protect that status. Now it's taking on Australian clothing boutique White Fox in a heated legal dispute over who gets to own their stripes.
While Adidas uses several iconic logo designs, its three-stripes have become synonymous with the brand. The athletics company claims that White Fox's four-stripe design is "deceptively similar" to its own, calling for a legal resolution.
White Fox's four-stripe clothing designs have appeared throughout its advertising, which Adidas claims shows an "intention to trade off our reputation". Adidas has trademarked the iconic three stripes in Australia since 1957, and the athletic giant alleges White Fox's designs are "substantially identical with or otherwise deceptively similar."
White Fox's legal team has defended the move, claiming that other Australian brands like Cotton On and Sportscraft sell items with "similar decorative stripes". But Adidas has countered the defence, claiming that White Fox's advertisements feature "genuine" Adidas items, which could form "an association in the minds of consumers."
Adidas is seeking legal damages for the alleged infringement, including profits earned from the products, along with interest and legal costs. For more design disputes, take a look at why New Balance sued this rival athletics brand over a shoe logo or check out the latest Washington Commanders logo controversy.
