Luxury handbag manufacturer Coach has taken legal action against Gap, alleging that the retailer’s Old Navy division has unlawfully sold T-shirts featuring the “Coach” brand name.
In a trademark infringement lawsuit filed in a Los Angeles federal court, Coach, along with its parent company Tapestry, asserts that Gap did not obtain permission to sell these T-shirts and that such sales could confuse consumers into thinking Coach was associated with the product.
Coach argues that this unauthorized use has caused significant harm to its brand, as Coach trademarks are synonymous with luxury lifestyle items and not apparel like T-shirts. Founded in 1941, Coach prides itself on a blend of fashion, craftsmanship, and style.
Gap, headquartered in San Francisco, declined to comment on the pending litigation.
Coach, headquartered in New York, seeks unspecified damages for trademark infringement, counterfeiting, and violations of California’s unfair competition law. Additionally, Coach requests the destruction of any unsold inventory of the infringing clothing.
While lawsuits against alleged counterfeiters are not uncommon in the luxury retail industry, it is notable that the defendant in this case is a major corporation like Gap.
