adidas is going after Puma because of the stripes used on their evoPOWER Vigor 1 Camo soccer cleat, Forbes reports.
According to a recently initiated lawsuit by adidas, a consumer is likely to be confused as to whether adidas is involved with Puma’s cleats, even though the product contains four stripes instead of trademark three stripes of adidas. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court District of Oregon is against Puma North America, Inc. and alleges trademark infringement.
“Puma’s use of four diagonal stripes on the side of the Infringing Cleat is a blatant attempt by Puma to trade on the goodwill and commercial magnetism adidas has built up in the Three-Stripe Mark and to free-ride on adidas’ fame as a preeminent soccer brand,” stated adidas in a statement.
If adidas is successful in its suit, Puma will be prevented from selling products with the four-stripe design. Adidas also seek to receive financial compensation for damages, require Puma to disgorge profits from sales of the cleats as well as punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs.