Primark to fight Vans copyright lawsuit

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jan 3, 2019

Primark has denied allegations of trademark infringement brought against it by US footwear firm Vans in a US lawsuit, saying it will defend its position.

The Irish fashion company was accused of selling “intentional copies” of two of Vans’ most recognisable skateboard trainers since 2017.

The lawsuit was filed in a New York federal court this week, with Vans seeking an injunction against Primark, compensation, and an order to “impound and destroy” the alleged knock-offs.

The dispute involves two styles of trainers sold by Primark which allegedly featured the side-stripe Vans trademark and its famous waffle sole.

Vans said Primark stopped selling the shoes in the UK in January 2018 after being contacted by lawyers, however it found that Primark’s new stores in the US continued to stock the trainers until August.

Owned by Associated British Foods, Primark has been rolling out a major US expansion in recent years, opening nine large stores in cities including New York and Boston.

A Primark spokesperson said on Wednesday: “We disagree with the allegations by Vans and we plan to defend our position.”