Brooks Sports sues Brooks Brothers over trademark infringement
12/02/2020
Brooks Sports said it wants to stop Brooks Brothers from using the “Brooks” trademark on its stores and products, and to prevent public confusion and brand dilution. Brooks is also seeking damages for what it called “Brooks Brothers’ unfair competition and breach of contract”.
According to Brooks Sports, the two companies have coexisted for more than 100 years without consumer confusion due to their distinct product lines and trademarks. There has been a coexistence trademark agreement between Brooks and Brooks Brothers since 1980.
However, according to Brooks Sports, Brooks Brothers recently attempted to block Brooks from obtaining registrations for its “Brooks” trademark in the United States and other countries. Additionally, Brooks Sports said, Brooks Brothers recently filed new trademark applications to use “Brooks” alone, without the word “Brothers”, on eight categories of goods, including clothing, sporting goods and accessories for athletics — among which are goods being marketed as “athletic” footwear and “sneakers”.
“For more than 100 years we’ve built a brand that consumers worldwide recognise and trust,” said Jim Weber, CEO of Brooks. “We will aggressively protect our intellectual property and defend the investment that’s created our valuable brand.”
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