Adidas America v. Forever 21 Complaint

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Case 3:15-cv-01559

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 1 of 20

Stephen M. Feldman, OSB No. 932674


SFeldman@perkinscoie.com
PERKINS COIE LLP
1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Telephone: 503.727.2000
Facsimile: 503.727.2222
R. Charles Henn Jr. (pro hac vice pending)
chenn@kilpatricktownsend.com
Charles H. Hooker III (pro hac vice pending)
chooker@kilpatricktownsend.com
KILPATRICK TOWNSEND & STOCKTON LLP
1100 Peachtree Street, Suite 2800
Atlanta, GA 30309
Telephone: 404.815.6500
Facsimile: 404.815.6555
Attorneys for Plaintiffs

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT


DISTRICT OF OREGON
PORTLAND DIVISION
ADIDAS AMERICA, INC., a Delaware
corporation; and ADIDAS AG, a foreign
entity,
Plaintiffs,
v.
FOREVER 21, INC., a Delaware
corporation; and CENTRAL MILLS,
INC., a New York corporation,

No. 3:15-cv-01559
COMPLAINT
(Counterfeiting, Trademark Infringement,
Unfair Competition, Trademark Dilution, and
Deceptive Trade Practices)
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

Defendants.

1-

COMPLAINT

21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 2 of 20

Plaintiffs adidas America, Inc. and adidas AG (collectively, adidas) state the following
for their Complaint against Defendants Forever 21, Inc. (Forever 21) and Central Mills, Inc.
(Central Mills) (collectively, Defendants).
I.
1.

INTRODUCTION

For decades, adidas has manufactured, sold, and promoted apparel and footwear

bearing its famous and distinctive Three-Stripe trademark (the Three-Stripe Mark). adidas
owns numerous incontestable federal trademark registrations for its Three-Stripe Mark for
apparel and footwear, and adidas has invested millions of dollars building its brand in connection
with the Three-Stripe Mark.
2.

Despite adidass rights in the famous Three-Stripe Mark, Defendants are

designing, sourcing, manufacturing, distributing, marketing, promoting, offering for sale, and/or
selling apparel bearing identical and/or confusingly similar imitations of adidass Three-Stripe
Mark, as depicted in the examples below:

Defendants apparel is not manufactured by adidas, nor are Defendants connected or affiliated
with, or authorized by, adidas in any way. Defendants merchandise is likely to cause confusion,
deceive the public regarding its source, and dilute and tarnish the distinctive quality of adidass
Three-Stripe Mark.

2-

COMPLAINT

21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

3.

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 3 of 20

This is an action at law and in equity for counterfeiting, trademark infringement

and dilution, unfair competition, and deceptive trade practices arising under the Trademark Act
of 1946, 15 U.S.C. 1051, et. seq. (2009); the anti-dilution laws of several states; the fair
business practices and unfair and deceptive trade practices acts of several states; and the common
law. Among other relief, adidas asks this Court to: (a) permanently enjoin Defendants from
distributing, marketing or selling apparel bearing either identical or confusingly similar
imitations of the Three-Stripe Mark; (b) award adidas monetary damages and to treble any
monetary damages award; (c) require Defendants to disgorge all profits from sales of the
counterfeit and/or infringing apparel; and (d) award adidas punitive damages, attorneys fees,
and costs.
II.
4.

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

This Court has subject matter jurisdiction under section 39 of the Lanham Act,

15 U.S.C. 1121, and under 28 U.S.C. 1331 and 1338. Subject matter jurisdiction over
adidass related state and common law claims is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1338 and 1367.
5.

This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendants because, on information and

belief, (a) Defendants have marketed, distributed, offered for sale, and/or sold to persons within
the State of Oregon, (b) Defendants regularly transact and conduct business within the State of
Oregon; and/or (c) Defendants otherwise have made or established contacts within the State of
Oregon sufficient to permit the exercise of personal jurisdiction.
6.

The District of Oregon is a proper venue pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b)(2)

because a substantial part of the acts or omissions giving rise to adidass claims occurred in this
District.
III.
7.

PARTIES

Plaintiff adidas AG is a joint stock company organized and existing under the

laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, having its office and principal place of business at
Postach 11230, D-91072 Herzogenaurach, Federal Republic of Germany.
3-

COMPLAINT

21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

8.

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 4 of 20

Plaintiff adidas America, Inc. is a corporation organized and existing under the

laws of the State of Delaware, having its principal place of business at 5055 N. Greeley Avenue,
Portland, Oregon 97217. adidas America, Inc. directs all U.S.-based operations on behalf of
adidas AG, including sales, brand marketing, product marketing, product design, public
relations, distribution, enforcement, and licensing of and for ADIDAS-branded merchandise,
including goods bearing the distinctive Three-Stripe Mark. adidas AG and adidas America, Inc.,
as well as any predecessors or related entities, are collectively referred to as adidas.
9.

On information and belief, Defendant Forever 21, Inc. is a Delaware corporation,

having its principal place of business at 3880 N. Mission Road, Room 3030, Los Angeles,
California 90031.
10.

On information and belief, Defendant Central Mills, Inc. is a New York

corporation, having its principal place of business at 1400 Broadway, Suite 1605, New York,
New York 10018.
IV.
A.

FACTS COMMON TO ALL CLAIMS FOR RELIEF

adidass Famous Three-Stripe Mark


11.

adidas is currently, and for years has been, one of the worlds leading

manufacturers of athletic footwear, sportswear, and sporting equipment. Over sixty (60) years
ago, adidas first placed three parallel stripes on its athletic shoes, and the Three-Stripe Mark
came to signify the quality and reputation of adidas footwear to the sporting world early in the
companys history.
12.

At least as early as 1952, adidas began using its Three-Stripe Mark on footwear

sold in the United States and worldwide. The Three-Stripe Mark quickly came to signify the
quality and reputation of adidas footwear. Pages from adidas catalogs featuring examples of
footwear bearing the Three-Stripe Mark are attached as Exhibit 1.

4-

COMPLAINT

21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

13.

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 5 of 20

At least as early as 1967, adidas began using the Three-Stripe Mark on apparel

sold in the United States and worldwide. Pages from adidas catalogs featuring examples of
apparel bearing the Three-Stripe Mark are attached as Exhibit 2.
14.

adidas is the owner of a federal trademark registration, Reg. No. 2,058,619, issued

by the PTO on May 6, 1997, for the Three-Stripe Mark, as depicted below, for sports and
leisure wear, namely shirts.

Affidavits have been filed pursuant to Sections 8 and 15 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1058
and 1065, and this registration is incontestable. A copy of the Certificate of Registration for this
mark is attached as Exhibit 3.
15.

adidas is the owner of a federal trademark registration, Reg. No. 3,029,127, issued

by the PTO on December 13, 2005, for the Three-Stripe Mark, as depicted below, for clothing,
namely, T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets and coats.

Affidavits have been filed pursuant to Sections 8 and 15 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1058
and 1065, and this registration is incontestable. A copy of the Certificate of Registration for this
mark is attached as Exhibit 4.
16.

adidas is the owner of a federal trademark registration, Reg. No. 3,087,329, issued

by the PTO on May 2, 2006, for the Three-Stripe Mark, as depicted below, for clothing,
namely, shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, vests, jackets and coats.
5-

COMPLAINT

21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 6 of 20

Affidavits have been filed pursuant to Sections 8 and 15 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1058
and 1065, and this registration is incontestable. A copy of the Certificate of Registration for this
mark is attached as Exhibit 5.
17.

adidas is the owner of a federal trademark registration, Reg. No. 2,278,591, issued

by the PTO on September 21, 1999, for the Three-Stripe Mark, as depicted below, for sports
and leisure wear, namely shorts.

Affidavits have been filed pursuant to Sections 8 and 15 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1058
and 1065, and this registration is incontestable. A copy of the Certificate of Registration for this
mark is attached as Exhibit 6.
18.

adidas also owns numerous additional trademark registrations for the Three-Stripe

Mark covering apparel (Reg. Nos. 870,136, 2,016,963, 2,284,308, 3,063,742, 3,063,745,
3,183,656, and 3,236,505). Copies of the Certificates of Registration for each of these marks are
attached collectively as Exhibit 7.
19.

Additionally, adidas owns federal registrations for verbal trademarks using the

term 3 stripes including THE BRAND WITH THE 3 STRIPES, Reg. No. 1,674,229, for sport
and leisure wear. Affidavits have been filed pursuant to Sections 8 and 15 of the Lanham Act,
15 U.S.C. 1058 and 1065, and this registration is incontestable. A copy of the Certificate of
Registration for this mark is attached as Exhibit 8.

6-

COMPLAINT

21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

20.

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Filed 08/17/15

Page 7 of 20

adidass Three-Stripe Mark is well-known and famous and has been for many

years. adidas has used the Three-Stripe Mark in connection with its frequent sponsorship of
musical artists, including pop-stars Katy Perry and Selena Gomez and iconic rappers B.o.B,
Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, and Kanye West.
21.

adidas also has used the Three-Stripe Mark in connection with its frequent

sponsorship of athletic tournaments and organizations, as well as professional athletes and


collegiate sports teams. For example, adidas has had longstanding relationships with the
University of California at Los Angeles, the University of Nebraska, the University of Louisville,
the University of Michigan, and the University of Miami. Among many others, adidas sponsors:
(a) 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III; (b) NBA stars Tim Duncan,
Damian Lillard, and Derrick Rose; (c) professional golfer Sergio Garcia; and (d) internationally
famous soccer players David Beckham and Lionel Messi. For decades, adidas also has
sponsored the world-famous Boston Marathon, along with many other events, teams, and
individuals.
22.

The Three-Stripe Mark is nonfunctional, and the public recognizes and

understands that the Three-Stripe Mark distinguishes and identifies adidass merchandise.
Indeed, unsolicited media coverage has referred to the iconic adidas three stripes (Brettman,
Allan, World Cup Brings New Shoes, Uniforms from Adidas, Nike, The Oregonian, Feb. 17,
2014), adidass trademark three-stripe sneakers (Brettman, Allan, Adidas lifts 2012 forecast
as sales in China soar in Q1, The Oregonian, May 1, 2012), the adidas stripes (Brettman,
Allan, A $35 Swoosh of Genius, The Oregonian, June 16, 2011), adidass ubiquitous three
stripes (Brettman, Allan, Going All In Against Nike, The Oregonian, March 15, 2011), the
trademark three-stripe logo (Pennington, Bill, Belts That Do More Than Hold Up Pants,
New York Times, July 27, 2009), the iconic three stripes (Game Time, Footwear News,
June 16, 2008), the signature three stripes (Moore, Booth, Ringing Endorsements; Form
Follows Function with Much Olympic Wear, but Fashion and Funding are also at Play, L.A.
7-

COMPLAINT

21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 8 of 20

Times, August 13, 2004), the famous brand with the three stripes (Whiting, Sam, Must Have,
San Francisco Chronicle, July 7, 2002), and the legendary Adidas three stripes (Coty Inc.,
Brand Strategy, September 27, 1999).
23.

For decades, adidas extensively and continuously has used and promoted the

Three-Stripe Mark in connection with footwear and apparel. In recent years, annual sales of
products bearing the Three-Stripe Mark have totaled in the billions of dollars globally and in the
hundreds of millions of dollars within the United States. The Three-Stripe Mark has achieved
international fame and tremendous public recognition.
24.

Since introducing its Three-Stripe Mark, adidas has spent millions of dollars

promoting the mark and products bearing the Mark. For example, in March 2011, adidas
launched an advertising campaign in the United States featuring Chicago Bulls guard Derrick
Rose, rapper B.o.B and pop singer Katy Perry, among others, that highlights [adidass] imprint
on the worlds of sports, music and fashion, and show[s] the breadth and depth of the Adidas
brand. A March 15, 2011 article from The Oregonian describing this advertising campaign is
attached as Exhibit 9. Similarly, adidas recently launched its Sport 15 advertising campaign,
which represents adidass biggest ad spend in the United States. The campaign features soccer
superstar Lionel Messi, Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, and DeMarco Murray of the Dallas
Cowboys. A February 13, 2015 article from AdWeek describing adidass Sport 15 advertising
campaign is attached as Exhibit 10. As a result of adidass continuous and exclusive use of the
Three-Stripe Mark in connection with its products, the mark enjoys wide public acceptance and
association with adidas, and has come to be recognized widely and favorably by the public as an
indicator of the origin of adidass goods.
25.

As a result of adidass extensive use and promotion of the Three-Stripe Mark,

adidas has built up and now owns extremely valuable goodwill that is symbolized by the Mark.
The purchasing public has come to associate the Three-Stripe Mark with adidas.

8-

COMPLAINT

21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

B.

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 9 of 20

Defendants Unlawful Activities


26.

In blatant disregard of adidass rights, Defendants have been importing,

designing, sourcing, manufacturing, distributing, marketing, promoting, offering for sale, and/or
selling in interstate commerce apparel bearing three stripes that constitute counterfeit and/or
confusingly similar imitations of adidass Three-Stripe Mark, including the examples depicted
below (the Infringing Apparel):

27.

On information and belief, Defendants had knowledge of and were familiar with

adidass Three-Stripe Mark when Defendants began importing, designing, manufacturing,


sourcing, distributing, marketing, promoting, offering for sale, and/or selling the Infringing
Apparel. On further information and belief, Defendants intentionally adopted and used
counterfeit and/or confusingly similar imitations of the Three-Stripe Mark knowing that they
would mislead and deceive consumers into believing that the apparel was produced, authorized,
or licensed by adidas, or that the apparel originated from adidas.
28.

The Infringing Apparel imported, designed, manufactured, sourced, distributed,

marketed, promoted, offered for sale, and/or sold by Defendants is not manufactured by adidas.

9-

COMPLAINT

21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 10 of 20

Nor are Defendants associated or connected with adidas, or licensed, authorized, sponsored,
endorsed, or approved by adidas in any way.
29.

adidas used the Three-Stripe Mark extensively and continuously before

Defendants began importing, designing, manufacturing, sourcing, distributing, marketing,


promoting, offering for sale, and/or selling counterfeit and/or confusingly similar imitations of
adidass apparel.
30.

The Infringing Apparel is similar to, and competes with, apparel sold by adidas,

and the parties respective apparel is sold through overlapping channels of trade.
31.

Defendants use of counterfeit and/or confusingly similar imitations of adidass

Three-Stripe Mark is likely to deceive, confuse, and mislead purchasers and prospective
purchasers into believing that the apparel sold by Defendants is manufactured by, authorized by,
or in some manner associated with adidas, which it is not. The likelihood of confusion, mistake,
and deception engendered by Defendants infringement and dilution of adidass Mark is causing
irreparable harm to the goodwill symbolized by the Three-Stripe Mark and the reputation for
quality that it embodies.
32.

Defendants activities are likely to cause confusion before, during, and after the

time of purchase because purchasers, prospective purchasers, and others viewing Defendants
Infringing Apparel at the point of sale or on a wearer are likelydue to Defendants use of
counterfeit and/or confusingly similar imitations of the Three-Stripe Markto mistakenly
attribute the apparel to adidas. This is particularly damaging with respect to those people who
perceive a defect or lack of quality in Defendants products. By causing a likelihood of
confusion, mistake, and deception, Defendants are inflicting irreparable harm on the goodwill
symbolized by the Three-Stripe Mark and the reputation for quality that it embodies.
33.

On information and belief, Defendants continue to use counterfeit and/or

confusingly similar imitations of the Three-Stripe Mark in connection with the sale of apparel
that competes with the apparel manufactured and sold by adidas. Defendants began selling the
10- COMPLAINT
21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 11 of 20

Infringing Apparel well after adidas had established protectable rights in its Three-Stripe Mark,
and well after the Three-Stripe Mark had become famous.
34.

On further information and belief, Defendants knowingly, willfully, intentionally,

and maliciously adopted and used counterfeit and/or confusingly similar imitations of adidass
Three-Stripe Mark.
FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF
(Counterfeiting)
35.

adidas repeats and incorporates by reference the allegations in the preceding

paragraphs.
36.

Defendants have knowingly manufactured, imported, distributed, marketed,

promoted, offered for sale, and/or sold apparel that bears spurious marks that are identical to and
substantially indistinguishable from adidass Three-Stripe Mark.
37.

As a result of Defendants manufacturing, importing, distributing, marketing,

promoting, offering for sale, and/or selling of the Infringing Apparel, Defendants are using
counterfeit marks, as that term is defined in Section 34(d)(1)(B) of the Lanham Act, and
Defendants are, accordingly, liable under the anti-counterfeiting provisions of the Lanham Act.
38.

Defendants use of spurious marks identical to or substantially indistinguishable

from the Three-Stripe Mark violates 15 U.S.C. 1114, and Defendants activities are causing
and, unless enjoined by this Court, will continue to cause a likelihood of confusion and deception
of members of the trade and public and, additionally, injury to adidass goodwill and reputation
as symbolized by its federally registered marks, for which adidas has no adequate remedy at law.
39.

Defendants are likely to continue causing substantial injury to the public and to

adidas, and adidas is entitled to injunctive relief, an accounting for profits, damages, costs, and
reasonable attorneys fees under 15 U.S.C. 1114, 1116, and 1117. Additionally, pursuant to
15 U.S.C. 1117(b), adidas is entitled to trebling of the greater of profits or damages, and to

11- COMPLAINT
21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 12 of 20

prejudgment interest. Alternatively, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1117(c), adidas is entitled to


recover statutory damages for Defendants willful use of counterfeit marks.
SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF
(Federal Trademark Infringement)
40.

adidas repeats and incorporates by reference the allegations in the preceding

paragraphs.
41.

Defendants use of confusingly similar imitations of adidass Three-Stripe Mark

is likely to cause confusion, deception, and mistake by creating the false and misleading
impression that Defendants goods are manufactured, produced, distributed, endorsed,
sponsored, approved, or licensed by adidas, or are associated or connected with adidas.
42.

Defendants have used marks that are confusingly similar to adidass federally

registered Three-Stripe Mark in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1114. Defendants activities have


caused and, unless enjoined by this Court, will continue to cause a likelihood of confusion and
deception of members of the trade and public, as well as injury to adidass goodwill and
reputation as symbolized by the registered Three-Stripe Mark, for which adidas has no adequate
remedy at law.
43.

Defendants actions demonstrate an intentional, willful, and malicious intent to

trade on the goodwill associated with adidass federally registered Three-Stripe Mark to adidass
great and irreparable injury.
44.

Defendants have caused and are likely to continue causing substantial injury to

the public and to adidas, and adidas is entitled to injunctive relief and to recover Defendants
profits, actual damages, enhanced profits and damages, costs, and reasonable attorneys fees
under 15 U.S.C. 1114, 1116, and 1117.

12- COMPLAINT
21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 13 of 20

THIRD CLAIM FOR RELIEF


(Federal Unfair Competition)
45.

adidas repeats and incorporates by reference the allegations in the preceding

paragraphs.
46.

Defendants use of confusingly similar imitations of adidass Three-Stripe Mark

has caused and is likely to cause confusion, deception, and mistake by creating the false and
misleading impression that the Infringing Apparel is manufactured or distributed by adidas, is
affiliated, connected, or associated with adidas, or has the sponsorship, endorsement, or approval
of adidas.
47.

Defendants have made false representations, false descriptions, and false

designations of their goods in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1125(a). Defendants activities have


caused and, unless enjoined by this Court, will continue to cause a likelihood of confusion and
deception of members of the trade and public, and, additionally, injury to adidass goodwill and
reputation as symbolized by the Three-Stripe Mark, for which adidas has no adequate remedy at
law.
48.

Defendants actions demonstrate an intentional, willful, and malicious intent to

trade on the goodwill associated with adidass Three-Stripe Mark to the great and irreparable
injury of adidas.
49.

Defendants conduct has caused, and is likely to continue causing, substantial

injury to the public and to adidas. adidas is entitled to injunctive relief and to recover
Defendants profits, actual damages, enhanced profits and damages, costs, and reasonable
attorneys fees under 15 U.S.C. 1125(a), 1116, and 1117.
FOURTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
(Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices)
50.

adidas repeats and incorporates by reference the allegations in the preceding

paragraphs.

13- COMPLAINT
21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

51.

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Page 14 of 20

Defendants have been and are passing off their goods as those of adidas, causing a

likelihood of confusion or of misunderstanding as to the source, sponsorship, or approval of


Defendants apparel; causing a likelihood of confusion as to Defendants affiliation, connection,
or association with adidas; and otherwise damaging adidas and the consuming public.
Defendants conduct constitutes unfair and deceptive acts or practices in the course of a business,
trade, or commerce in violation of the unfair and deceptive trade practices statutes of several
states, including California CAL. BUS. & PROF. CODE 17200, et seq. (West 2009);
Colorado, COLO. REV. STAT. ANN. 6-1-101 to 6-1-115 (West 2009); Delaware, DEL.
CODE ANN. tit. 6, 2531 to 2536 (2009); Georgia, GA. CODE ANN. 10-1-370 to 10-1375 (2009); Hawaii, HAW. REV. STAT. 481A-1 to 481A-5 (2009); Illinois, ILL. COMP.
STAT. ANN. ch. 815, 510/1 to 510/7 (2009); Maine, ME. REV. STAT. ANN. tit. 10, 1211 to
1216 (West 2009); Minnesota, MINN. STAT. ANN. 325D.43 to .48 (West 2009); Nebraska,
NEB. REV. STAT. 87-301 to 87-306 (2009); New Mexico, N.M. STAT. ANN. 57-12-1 to
57-12-22 (Michie 2009); New York, N.Y. GEN. BUS. Law 349 (McKinney 2009); Ohio,
OHIO REV. CODE ANN. 4165.01 to 4165.04 (Baldwin 2009); and Oklahoma, OKLA.
STAT. ANN. tit. 78, 51 to 55 (West 2009).
52.

Defendants unauthorized use of confusingly similar imitations of adidass Three-

Stripe Mark has caused and is likely to cause substantial injury to the public and to adidas.
adidas is entitled to injunctive relief and to recover damages and, if appropriate, punitive
damages, costs, and reasonable attorneys fees.
FIFTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
(Common Law Trademark Infringement and Unfair Competition)
53.

adidas repeats and incorporates by reference the allegations in the preceding

paragraphs.
54.

Defendants acts constitute common law trademark infringement and unfair

competition, and have created and will continue to create, unless restrained by this Court, a

14- COMPLAINT
21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 15 of 20

likelihood of confusion to the irreparable injury of adidas. adidas has no adequate remedy at law
for this injury.
55.

On information and belief, Defendants acted with full knowledge of adidass use

of, and statutory and common law rights to, the Three-Stripe Mark and without regard to the
likelihood of confusion of the public created by Defendants activities.
56.

Defendants actions demonstrate an intentional, willful, and malicious intent to

trade on the goodwill associated with adidass Three-Stripe Mark to the great and irreparable
injury of adidas.
57.

As a result of Defendants acts, adidas has been damaged in an amount not yet

determined or ascertainable. At a minimum, however, adidas is entitled to injunctive relief, an


accounting of Defendants profits, damages, and costs. Further, in light of the deliberately
fraudulent and malicious use of confusingly similar imitations of adidass Three-Stripe Mark,
and the need to deter Defendants from engaging in similar conduct in the future, adidas
additionally is entitled to punitive damages.
SIXTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
(Federal Trademark Dilution)
58.

adidas repeats and incorporates by reference the allegations in the preceding

paragraphs.
59.

For decades, adidas has exclusively and continuously promoted and used the

registered Three-Stripe Mark both in the United States and throughout the world. The Mark
therefore had become a famous and well-known symbol of adidas and its products well before
Defendants offered for sale the Infringing Apparel.
60.

Defendants are making use in commerce of marks that dilute and are likely to

dilute the distinctiveness of adidass Three-Stripe Mark by eroding the publics exclusive
identification of the famous Three-Stripe Mark with adidas, tarnishing and degrading the positive

15- COMPLAINT
21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 16 of 20

associations and prestigious connotations of the Three-Stripe Mark, and otherwise lessening the
capacity of the Three-Stripe Mark to identify and distinguish adidass goods.
61.

Defendants actions demonstrate an intentional, willful, and malicious intent to

trade on the goodwill associated with adidass Three-Stripe Mark or to cause dilution of the
Three-Stripe Mark to the great and irreparable injury of adidas.
62.

Defendants have caused and will continue to cause irreparable injury to adidass

goodwill and business reputation, and dilution of the distinctiveness and value of adidass
famous Three-Stripe Mark in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1125(c). adidas therefore is entitled to
injunctive relief and to Defendants profits, actual damages, enhanced profits and damages, and
reasonable attorneys fees under 15 U.S.C. 1125(c), 1116, and 1117.
SEVENTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
(State Trademark Dilution)
63.

adidas repeats and incorporates by reference the allegations in the preceding

paragraphs.
64.

adidas has extensively and continuously promoted and used the registered Three-

Stripe Mark both in the United States and throughout the world, and the Mark had thereby
become a distinctive, famous, and well-known symbol of adidass goods and services well
before Defendants designed, sourced, manufactured, imported, distributed, marketed, promoted,
offered for sale, or sold the Infringing Apparel. The Three-Stripe Mark is widely recognized by
the general consuming public of the State of Oregon as a designation that adidas is the source of
the goods bearing the Three-Stripe Mark.
65.

Defendants unauthorized imitations of adidass registered Three-Stripe Mark

dilute and are likely to dilute the distinctiveness of adidass Three-Stripe Mark by eroding the
publics exclusive identification of this famous and well-known Mark with adidas, and tarnishing
and degrading the positive associations and prestigious connotations of the Mark, and otherwise
lessening the capacity of the Mark to identify and distinguish adidass goods and services.

16- COMPLAINT
21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

66.

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Page 17 of 20

Defendants are causing and will continue to cause irreparable injury to adidass

goodwill and business reputation, and dilution of the distinctiveness and value of adidass
famous Three-Stripe Mark in violation of the Oregon anti-dilution statute, O.R.S. 647.107
(2009), as well as the anti-dilution laws of several other states, including Alabama, ALA. CODE
8-12-17 (2009); Alaska, ALASKA STAT. 45.50.180 (Michie 2009); Arizona, ARIZ. REV.
STAT. ANN. 44-1448.01 (West 2009); Arkansas, ARK. CODE ANN. 4-71-213 (2009);
California, CAL. BUS. & PROF. CODE 14247 (West 2009); Connecticut, CONN. GEN.
STAT. ANN 35-11i(c) (West 2009); Delaware, DEL. CODE ANN. tit. 6, 3313 (2009);
Florida, FLA. STAT. ANN. 495.151 (West 2007); Georgia, GA. CODE ANN. 10-1-451
(2009); Hawaii, HAW. REV. STAT. ANN. 482-32 (Michie 2009); Idaho, IDAHO CODE
48-513 (Michie 2009); Illinois, 765 ILL. COMP. STAT. ANN. 1036/65 (2009); Iowa, IOWA
CODE ANN. 548.113 (West 2009); Indiana, IN. CODE 24-2-13.5 (West 2009); Kansas, KAN.
STAT. ANN. 81-214 (2009); Louisiana, LA. REV. STAT. ANN. 51:223.1 (West 2009);
Maine, ME. REV. STAT. ANN. tit. 10, 1530 (West 2000); Massachusetts, MASS. GEN.
LAWS. ANN. ch. 110H, 13 (West 2009); Minnesota, MINN. STAT. ANN. 333.285 (West
2009); Mississippi, MISS. CODE. ANN. 75-25-25 (2009); Missouri, MO. ANN. STAT.
417.061(1) (West 2009); Montana, MONT. CODE ANN. 30-13-334 (2009); Nebraska, NEB.
REV. STAT. ANN. 87-140 (Michie 2009); Nevada, NEV. REV. STAT. 600.435 (2007); New
Hampshire, N.H. REV. STAT. ANN. 350-A:12 (2009); New Jersey, N.J. STAT. ANN. 56:313.20 (West 2009); New Mexico, N.M. STAT. ANN. 57-3B-15 (Michie 2009); New York,
N.Y. GEN. BUS. Law 360-l (2009); Pennsylvania, 54 PA. CONS. STAT. ANN. 1124 (West
2009); Rhode Island, R.I. GEN. LAWS 6-2-12 (2009); South Carolina, S. C. CODE ANN.
39-15-1165 (2009); Tennessee, TENN. CODE ANN. 47-25-513 (2009); Texas, TEX. BUS.
& COM. CODE ANN. 16.29 (Vernon 2009); Utah, UT. CODE ANN. 70-3a-403 (2009);
Washington, WASH. REV. CODE ANN. 19.77.160 (West 2009); West Virginia, W.V. STAT.
ANN. 47-2-13 (Michie 2009); and Wyoming, WYO. STAT. ANN. 40-1-115 (Michie 2009).
17- COMPLAINT
21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 18 of 20

adidas therefore is entitled to injunctive relief, damages, and costs, as well as, if appropriate,
enhanced damages and reasonable attorneys fees.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, adidas prays that:
1.

Defendants and all of their agents, officers, employees, representatives,

successors, assigns, attorneys, and all other persons acting for, with, by, through, or under
authority from Defendants, or in concert or participation with Defendants, and each of them, be
enjoined permanently, from:
a. manufacturing, sourcing, distributing, importing, marketing, promoting,
offering for sale, or selling the Infringing Apparel;
b. using adidass Three-Stripe Mark or any other copy, reproduction, colorable
imitation or simulation of the Three-Stripe Mark on or in connection with
Defendants products;
c. using any trademark, logo, design, or source designation of any kind on or in
connection with Defendants goods that is a copy, reproduction, colorable
imitation, or simulation of, or confusingly similar to adidass Three-Stripe
Mark;
d. using any trademark, logo, design, or source designation of any kind on or in
connection with Defendants goods that is likely to cause confusion, mistake,
deception, or public misunderstanding that such goods are produced or
provided by adidas, are sponsored or authorized by adidas, or are in any way
connected or related to adidas;
e. using any trademark, logo, design, or source designation of any kind on or in
connection with Defendants goods that dilutes or is likely to dilute the
distinctiveness of the trademarks or logos of adidas; and

18- COMPLAINT
21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 19 of 20

f. passing off, palming off, or assisting in passing off or palming off Defendants
goods as those of adidas, or otherwise continuing any and all acts of unfair
competition as alleged in this Complaint;
2.

Defendants be ordered to recall and retrieve all products bearing the Three-Stripe

Mark or any other confusingly similar variation thereof, which have been shipped by Defendants
or under their authority, to any store or customer, including, but not limited to, any retail store,
marketer, distributor, or distribution center, and also to deliver to each such store or customer a
copy of this Courts order as it relates to said injunctive relief against Defendants.
3.

Defendants be ordered to deliver up for impoundment and for destruction all

apparel, boxes, labels, tags, signs, packages, receptacles, advertising, sample books, promotional
material, stationery, or other materials in the possession, custody, or under the control of
Defendants that are found to adopt, use, feature, infringe, or dilute any of adidass trademarks or
that otherwise unfairly compete with adidas or adidass products;
4.

Defendants be compelled to account to adidas for any and all profits derived by

Defendants from the sale or distribution of the Infringing Apparel;


5.

adidas be awarded all damages caused by the acts forming the basis of this

Complaint;
6.

Based on Defendants knowing and intentional use of counterfeit and/or

confusingly similar imitations of adidass Three-Stripe Mark, the damages award be trebled and
the award of Defendants profits be enhanced as provided for by 15 U.S.C. 1117(a) and (b);
7.

Defendants be required to pay to adidas the costs and reasonable attorneys fees

incurred by adidas in this action pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1117(a) and the state statutes cited in
this Complaint;

19- COMPLAINT
21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

Case 3:15-cv-01559

8.

Document 1

Filed 08/17/15

Page 20 of 20

Based on Defendants willful and deliberate infringement and/or dilution of

adidass Three-Stripe Mark, and to deter such conduct in the future, adidas be awarded punitive
damages;
9.

Defendants be required to pay prejudgment and post-judgment interest on the

damages and profits awards; and


10.

adidas have such other and further relief as the Court may deem just.
JURY TRIAL DEMAND

adidas respectfully demands a trial by jury on all claims and issues so triable.
DATED: August 17, 2015

PERKINS COIE LLP


By: s/ Stephen M. Feldman
Stephen M. Feldman, OSB No. 932674
SFeldman@perkinscoie.com
1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Telephone: 503.727.2000
Facsimile: 503.727.2222
R. Charles Henn Jr. (pro hac vice pending)
chenn@kilpatricktownsend.com
Charles H. Hooker III (pro hac vice pending)
chooker@kilpatricktownsend.com
KILPATRICK TOWNSEND & STOCKTON LLP
1100 Peachtree Street, Suite 2800
Atlanta, GA 30309
Telephone: 404.815.6500
Facsimile: 404.815.6555
Attorneys for Plaintiffs

20- COMPLAINT
21184-0109/LEGAL127335287.1

Perkins Coie LLP


1120 N.W. Couch Street, Tenth Floor
Portland, OR 97209-4128
Phone: 503.727.2000
Fax: 503.727.2222

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