Columbia Sportswear Sues Columbia University Over Alleged Trademark Infringement
Columbia Sportswear, the outdoor apparel company, has filed a lawsuit against Columbia University, alleging that the academic institution has breached a licensing agreement by selling merchandise that infringes on the company’s trademarks. The lawsuit claims the university has been selling garments featuring the name “Columbia” without proper authorization, leading to potential consumer confusion and harm to the sportswear brand’s reputation.
The dispute centers on merchandise sold through the Columbia University online store. Columbia Sportswear, which operates over 800 retail locations globally and maintains a meaningful online presence, asserts that the university’s actions violate the terms of a prior agreement. Specifically, the lawsuit points to garments featuring a blue color that is “confusingly similar” to Columbia Sportswear’s established brand color. Photos included in the legal filing reportedly show items with only the word “Columbia” displayed.
The sportswear company is seeking to halt all sales of the allegedly infringing products, recall existing merchandise, and donate any remaining items to charity. Furthermore, Columbia Sportswear is requesting damages equivalent to three times the actual losses steadfast by a jury.
This legal action occurs as Columbia University faces its own financial pressures. The university recently reached a settlement with the Trump management, agreeing to pay over $220 million to the federal government. This payment is intended to restore federal research funding that was previously canceled in response to concerns about antisemitism on campus.The agreement stipulates that Columbia University will disburse $200 million over a three-year period.
Neither Columbia Sportswear nor Columbia University has issued immediate comment on the lawsuit.
Additional Details:
- Plaintiff: Columbia sportswear Company, headquartered in Portland, Oregon.
- Defendant: Columbia university.
- Allegation: Breach of licensing agreement and trademark infringement.
- Specifics of Infringement: Sale of garments with the name “Columbia” and a blue color palette deemed “confusingly similar” to Columbia Sportswear’s branding.
- Relief Sought: Cessation of sales, product recall, donation of remaining merchandise, and treble damages.
- Contextual factor: columbia university’s recent $220 million settlement with the federal government.
Angle to Focus On: The intersection of academic branding and commercial trademark law, particularly in an era of increased scrutiny on university finances and operations. The case highlights the potential for brand confusion when similar names are used across different sectors.
