New Balance (Boston) has filed a lawsuit against Michael Kors (New York) saying the latter has infringed on the company’s trademarks.
New Balance alleges that Kors’ Pippin and Olympia shoe lines feature a design on the side of the shoes that is “virtually identical and confusingly similar to the New Balance N Marks,” Retail Dive reports.
New Balance noted the Michael Kors’ designer responsible for the design has made clear in public statements that he’s a fan of New Balance shoes. Reportedly, the designer told Harper’s Bazaar that he had 15 pairs of New Balance shoes.
In the formal complaint, New Balance is requesting Michael Kors cease all production of the designs and recall shoes that have already been created. It also wants any profits Michael Kors made from the shoe designs as well as compensation for damages.