Harley-Davidson sues Next over alleged rip off its biker label
Harley-Davidson sues Next over alleged rip off its biker label
Harley-Davidson is suing Next in London’s High Court over claims one of the retailer’s T-shirts has ripped off its logo.
The US motorcycle maker has alleged the children’s garment, which features biker angel wings and, infringes on its trademark, a report in the Financial Times said.
In a lawsuit filed last month, the company said the piece “essentially replicates” the outline of its logo and also features “graphic material and text which is . . . commonly seen in the context of a motorcycle-based branding and more specifically the claimants’ branding”.
Harley-Davidon said the FTSE 100’s design “gives rise to a likelihood of confusion on the part of the relevant average consumer”.
The children’s garment, available aged three to 16 years, retails for between £6 to £8.50 , according to Next’s website.
According to the outlet, Harley-Davidson is seeking a declaration from the court that “Next has infringed its trademarks and an order that it destroy “all infringing materials”. It did not quantify damages.
City A.M . has contacted Next and Harley Davidson for comment.
Next is one of the UK’s biggest fashion brands, which owns both an own-label clothing range and several third-party brands.
Harley-Davidson, which was first founded in 1903 and is best known for manufacturing motorcycles, has in recent years launched a range of casual clothing.
Alongside motorcycle gear, it sells both womens and mens jackets and t-shirts and trousers for everyday wear.
A tank top retails for £49, while a jacket costs upwards of £200.
It has won a number of trademark battles in recent years. In its recent annual report it said it has a “a vigorous worldwide program of trademark registration and enforcement to maintain and strengthen the value of the trademarks and prevent the unauthorised use [of them]”.