New Balance Sues Michael Kors Over “N” Logo Trainers
American sports footwear brand New Balance has sued luxury fashion brand Michael Kors, claiming that two pairs of its trainers use the letter “N” in their design that infringes upon New Balance's trademark.
New Balance also claims that Michael Kors’ Pippin and Olympia trainers evoke the design of its 574 trainers, infringing its trade-dress rights. The brand’s 574 trainers are its best-selling shoe model, with the brand projecting over 7 million sales of the shoe in 2021. A spokesperson for New Balance said that the suit was filed to protect the New Balance brand as well as its iconic “N” trademark and the reputation of its footwear.
In the complaint, New Balance states that it has displayed the letter “N” on its footwear for over four decades and owns federal trademarks covering the logo. The complaint also states that because the brand is known for its collaborations, there is an increased likelihood that consumers will wrongly believe that Michael Kors’ shoes are connected with New Balance.
Last year in Massachusetts, New Balance settled claims that global lifestyle brand Nautica infringed its “N” trademarks.
