Wholesale Shoe Company Lawsuit Against Retailers

Should manufacturers or wholesalers sue potential channels of distribution?

Converse is suing 31 companies, arguing they are copying the design of its trademark shoe.  The company filed lawsuits against big retailers such as Wal-Mart and H&M, just to name a few, for allegedly selling imitations of its famous Chuck Taylor sneaker.  Other defendants named by Converse include Kmart, Skechers (SKX), Aldo Group and Ralph Lauren.  The Nike subsidiary also wants the International Trade Commission to ban imports and sales of the shoes.

Converse chief executive Jim Calhoun said the company welcomed fair competition, but "we do not believe companies have a right to copy the Chuck's trademarked look".  The shoe company also stated that they have served about 180 cease and desist letters to retailers selling look-a-like Chuck Taylor sneakers in the past six years to protect its brand.

For those of you that think Converse is crazy, keep in mind that approximately two years ago the luxury shoemaker Louboutin successfully trademarked its distinctive red soles.  Yes, this is an entirely different case, but who knows…  Trademark law is for a large part about whether the ordinary consumer would be confused as to the source of the good when they look at it.

Do you think that Converse will win this case?

Do you think that Converse should win this case?

In my opinion this is an uphill battle, but anything is possible.

Is it a good idea for wholesalers such as Nike to issue lawsuits against retail companies such as Walmart?  Keep in mind that Nike owns more brands than only Nike & Converse.  Should the retailers being sued ban all of the Nike owned brands from their stores both now and in the future?

By the way, we do love Chuck Taylor sneakers.  They really are iconic.

Learn more about Nike and the brands that they own here on the Apparel Search fashion guide.  You should also visit their site to find more information and buy yourself a new pair of Chuck Taylor’s.

Check out these super cool Chuck Taylor's with the Simpsons designs (these are from a legal collaboration).

Read about Chuck Taylor sneakers on our blog.