Victory for Nike in Germany, as the court has given the green light for the brand to feature three stripes on some of its trouser designs.
The Legal Clash with Adidas
This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal tussle between Nike and its German rival, Adidas had previously filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in 2022, leading to an initial ban on Nike’s use of two or three stripes on five of its designs.
Court’s Decision: A Partial Win for Nike
The Duesseldorf regional court has now partially overturned its earlier decision. Nike can now use the stripes on four out of the five disputed models, with restrictions remaining on one model. This adjustment shifts the initial verdict, which had entirely favoured Adidas.
Adidas’ Stance and Trademark Protection
Adidas is renowned for its rigorous defence of the iconic three-stripe trademark worldwide.
Nike’s Argument
Nike has argued that Adidas’ claims on the three-stripe design are overly restrictive. The company believes that striped decorations should not be exclusively associated with a specific brand, challenging the extent of Adidas’ trademark protections.
