Converse takes Steve Madden to court
Fashion brand Steve Madden has found itself embroiled in a dispute with American shoe company Converse over trainers.
Converse, in a suit filed on Friday, May 29 at the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts, accused Steve Madden of infringing two design patents through the sale of two lines of trainers.
According to the claim, after Converse debuted its ‘Run Star Hike’ design trainer, Steve Madden began using the design without permission and infringed the design patents, which cover the ridged sole of the shoe.
Following Steve Madden’s launch of the ‘Madden Girl Winnona Flatform High-Top’ trainers in March this year, Converse notified the company of its alleged infringement of one of the patents, but reportedly received no response. A subsequent letter was sent but again, Converse received no response.
In April, Steve Madden allegedly began offering for sale an additional infringing sneaker style it calls the ‘Shark’ trainer, which Converse claimed infringed both of the design patents.
Following the launch of the ‘Shark’ trainer, Steve Madden reportedly responded to Converse and refused to stop selling its ‘Madden Girl Winnona Flatform High-Top’ trainer.
In response, Converse informed the brand that it had “escalated its infringing activity” by continuing to sell the ‘Madden Girl Winnona Flatform High-Top sneaker’ and by releasing its additional infringing Shark sneaker.
“Steve Madden did not stop infringing. Instead, on about May 11, 2020, Steve Madden released an additional colourway of its infringing Shark sneaker,” alleged the claim.
Converse is seeking a permanent injunction and compensatory damages.
This isn’t Steve Madden’s first brush with infringement.
In 2017, fashion brand Valentino accused Steve Madden of copying its purse and strap designs.
Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) also took issue with Steve Madden’s shoes, which led Steve Madden to file a strongly-worded lawsuit against YSL in a pre-emptive strike against the French company. The parties have since settled their dispute.
Earlier this year, independent design studio Wildflower + Co claimed that Steve Madden created more than 100 different products, including handbags, which infringe its copyright for four embroidered patches.
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