The Adidas three stripes are one of the most recognizable logos in the world. It is a symbol of quality and style, and has been part of the German brand for decades.
The three stripes were first used as a design element in 1949, when Adidas founder Adi Dassler added them to the side of a shoe designed for playing soccer. They were intended to be a visual representation of the brand’s slogan, “Impossible is Nothing”.
The design was a hit and quickly became one of the most recognizable logos in sports and fashion.
Adidas has used the three stripes as a marketing tool since the 1950s. Over the years, it has released countless products bearing the logo, which has become synonymous with the brand. Adidas also used the three stripes in advertising campaigns and other promotional materials.
The design evolved over time: at first, the stripes were simple black and white lines. Today, the stripes are a mix of colors, often featuring the brand’s signature red and blue.
Adidas usually in Justice for the design of the three stripes. Rival sportswear brands such as Puma and Skechers have designed products with three lines, and there were lawsuits that were, in some cases, thrown out.
Adidas loses lawsuit over the three stripes
The latest case is a Manhattan jury that said this week that Adidas could not prove at trial that the use of stripes on the luxury brand’s clothing Thom Browne infringes the German giant’s three-stripe trademark.
The US court found that the fashion house’s parallel striped design did not confuse consumers with Adidas items.
Thom Browne said among his arguments that their designs have a distinct amount of stripes.
Adidas, in a statement, said the company was “disappointed with the verdict” but that it will not stop being attentive to compliance with respect for intellectual property.
In other words: we lost, but we will appeal and sue any designer that we think is trying to imitate Adidas.
Adidas sued New York designer Thom Browne’s brand in 2021, arguing that the four-bar stripe pattern on Thom Browne’s branded footwear and apparel violated their three-stripe trademark rights.
Since 2008, Adidas has already filed more than 90 lawsuits and signed more than 200 settlement agreements linked to the trademark.
Thom Browne had previously used a three-line design on his apparel, but changed it to four after Adidas objected in 2007.
Adidas had sought nearly $8 million in damages and part of the sales from Thom Browne.
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