Converse Seeks Penalties, Import Bans Against Importers of 'Chuck Taylor All-Star' Knock-Offs
Converse, Inc. recently filed a flurry of trademark infringement lawsuits related to the design of its Chuck Taylor All-Stars. The company on Oct. 14 opened cases in New York Eastern U.S. District Court against 19 major retailers, importers and exporters of shoes that allegedly copy the 70-year old design. It also filed a petition at the International Trade Commission requesting a general exclusion order banning all imports of shoes that infringe its trademarks.
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According to Converse retailers, importers and exporters are selling shoes that feature its trademarked midsole with a toe cap and toe bumper, as well as one or two stripes down the side of the shoe. The design was first used in 1932 on hi-tops, and was extended to low top shoes in 1957. In its District Court lawsuits, Converse says Wal-Mart, Ralph Lauren, A-List, Zulily, Iconix, Aldo, Highline, Tory Burch, Orange Clubwear, Skechers, Fortune Dynamic, Cmerit, H&M, Kmart, Fila, Esquire, Nowhere, Hitch Enterprises and Shenzhen Foreversun are illegally selling infringing shoes. It is asking the court for damages and injunctions preventing further sales and infringement.
In its ITC case, filed on the same day, Converse is taking aim at the same defendants, as well as Brian Lichtenberg, Gina Group, Mamiye Imports, OPPO Origina, Ositos Shoes, PW Shoes, Shoe Shox., all of the U.S., Dioniso of Italy, Edamame Kids of Canada, and Fujian Xinya, Zhejian Ouhai, and Wenzhou Cereals Oils & Foodstuffs of China. Converse is asking the ITC for a general exclusion order banning importation of infringing shoes by all companies, including those not named above. It is also seeking cease and desist orders banning sale of infringing shoes by each respondent.
Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of Converse’s court or ITC complaint.