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Coach is taking Gap Inc., the owner of the Gap and Old Navy, to court over a trademark infringement claim.
The lawsuit, filed by the fashion brand and its parent company Tapestry Inc. on April 3 in California’s Central District court, centers around two Old Navy T-shirts which have the word “coach” printed across the front. “Defendants introduced the Accused Products into the stream of commerce in an effort to exploit Plaintiff’s goodwill and the reputation of the Coach Trademarks,” it alleges. Meaning: Tapestry is arguing that these shirts might cause confusion among customers, who might believe there’s an association between the brands. As a result, the company says that “Plaintiffs have suffered substantial damages and have suffered and continue to suffer irreparable injury without adequate remedy at law.”
The filing accuses Gap Inc. of trademark infringement, false advertising and unfair competition. Coach didn’t name a specific dollar amount it’s seeking in damages, but instead enumerated preferences for relief, like acknowledging Gap Inc.’s “conduct is unfair” and reaffirming that “Coach owns and enjoys common law trademark rights” in California and throughout the U.S.
Fashionista reached out to both companies. Coach didn’t immediately respond, and Gap declined to comment.
According to Retail Dive, Tapestry is involved in other litigation around its star brand, including a case against Inland Empire Materials alleging trademark infringement. The company, which also owns Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman, announced its $8.5 billion acquisition of Capri Holdings in late 2023, adding Michael Kors, Versace and Jimmy Choo brands to its roster.
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Source: Fashionista.com
