Companies

Skechers sues Steve Madden over alleged trademark infringement

Jul 11, 2023 United States

The US-based sneakers company has filed a lawsuit against Steve Madden for allegedly copying its trademark “S” logo on its Kennie line of sneakers

According to the lawsuit filed with the US District Court for the Central District of California, the logo used by Steve Madden on the ‘Kennie line’ is “substantially similar to Skechers’ “S” marks”, as its proportion and thickness is similar to several logos used by the sneakers company.

Skechers claims that Madden's mark is likely to mislead consumers, who “will be confused as to whether Skechers is responsible for, distributes, has authorized or licensed, or is otherwise involved with the shoes that Madden is selling”. In addition, the use of this mark dilutes “the distinctiveness of Skechers’ famous “S” marks, in violation of both federal and state law”, reads the lawsuit.

Steve Madden has already refuted these allegations, saying that its design does not resemble that of Skechers and that it has used variations of this design since the 1900s. The company will, therefore, “vigorously defend” itself against the lawsuit, as Skechers asked the court to order it to stop the alleged misuse of its trademarks and has requested damages of an unspecified amount.

The Californian-based company already sued Steve Madden in 2015 for allegedly infringing several design patents covering aspects of its sneakers, but the companies settled the dispute in 2016.

Image Credits: news.law

United States Footwear Legal Skechers Sneakers Steve Madden