Ivy League institution files lawsuit against sportswear manufacturer: Columbia University versus Columbia Sportswear

In a surprising turn of events, outdoor apparel company Columbia Sportswear has filed a lawsuit against Columbia University, alleging trademark infringement, unfair competition, and breach of contract. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, claims that the university has violated a written agreement over the sale of apparel merchandise by using the "Columbia" name on its own.

According to the complaint, last year, Columbia University offered for sale apparel with the word "Columbia" on its own, which attorneys for Columbia Sportswear claim violates the contract and their trademark rights. The agreement, dating back to 2023, states that the university would not use the "Columbia" name alone.

Examples of distinguishing marks that could be used alongside the "Columbia" name, as stated in the agreement, include the university's shield, crown, or lion mascot logo, or words such as "university," "Columbia Law," or its year of founding. The lawsuit mentions apparel with the Nike and Champion logos, which attorneys for Columbia Sportswear argue can create customer confusion and a false association between Columbia Sportswear and its competitors.

Notably, no other individual brands besides "Nike" and "Champion" were mentioned in the announced lawsuit by Columbia Sportswear regarding possible confusion and false association with their competitors.

Josh Gerben, trademark attorney and founder of Gerben IP law firm, has commented on the case, stating that if Columbia University's version of the story in the complaint is not entirely accurate, and the university decides to defend the case, things could get interesting. Gerben also mentioned that because Columbia University has been around much longer than Columbia Sportswear, it gives the university some very interesting defenses to the overall claims regarding trademark infringement.

Meanwhile, a Columbia University spokesperson declined to comment on the pending litigation.

In Q1, Columbia Sportswear reported a net sales increase of 1% to $778.5 million. The company, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is seeking a jury trial, a ban on the university using the trademark name alone on apparel and accessories, product recall, and monetary damages.

As the case unfolds, Columbia Sportswear is set to announce its second quarter earnings on Thursday. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for both parties involved and the broader trademark landscape.

Ivy League institution files lawsuit against sportswear manufacturer: Columbia University versus Columbia Sportswear