Luxury handbag brand Coach and its parent firm Tapestry (NYSE:TPR) have filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Gap’s (NYSE:GPS) Old Navy unit, accusing the latter of illegally selling T-shirts printed with the word “Coach.”
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles federal court, claims that Gap (GPS) never had permission to sell the infringing clothing and that the situation has caused “irreparable harm” as Coach trademarks symbolized “a unique blend of fashion, craftsmanship, style, and function” reflected in the sale of “luxury lifestyle items,” not T-shirts, Reuters reported on Thursday.
Coach wants the unsold inventory of infringing T-shirts to be destroyed. The brand is also seeking unspecified damages for trademark infringement, counterfeiting, and violations of a California unfair competition law.
Gap (GPS) did not immediately reply to Seeking Alpha’s request for comment.
Tapestry (TPR) reported a 3% revenue growth in its most recent quarter, led by a 6% top-line growth in the Coach business.
The fashion holding company struck a deal last year to acquire Capri (CPRI) for $57.00 a share in cash. The deal will combine its three major brands, Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman, with Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors.