Columbia Sportswear Sues Columbia University Over Trademark Infringement.

Columbia Sportswear is suing Columbia University for trademark infringement and breach of contract, alleging that the university is violating a written agreement and using the "Columbia" name alone on apparel merchandise. The sportswear company is seeking a jury trial, monetary damages, and the recall of infringing products. Attorneys say the university's use of the Nike and Champion logos on Columbia-branded products can create customer confusion and false association between Columbia Sportswear and its competitors.

In a recent development, Columbia Sportswear has filed a lawsuit against Columbia University, alleging trademark infringement and breach of contract. The sportswear brand claims that the university is violating a written agreement that prohibits the use of the "COLUMBIA" name alone on apparel merchandise [1].

According to the lawsuit, Columbia Sportswear and Columbia University entered a co-existence agreement in 2023, allowing the university to use the "COLUMBIA" trademark on apparel provided that it is accompanied by one of four university logos or the word "University" [1]. However, the sportswear company alleges that the university sold numerous items bearing the name "COLUMBIA" without any other university indicia, violating the agreement [1].

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, monetary damages, and the recall of infringing products. Attorneys for Columbia Sportswear argue that the university's use of the Nike and Champion logos on Columbia-branded products can create customer confusion and a false association between Columbia Sportswear and its competitors [2].

The case is set to be heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. As of now, a Columbia University spokesperson has declined to comment on the pending litigation [2]. Legal experts suggest that the case could be settled out of court, but if Columbia University decides to defend the case, it could present interesting arguments given the university's longer history and potential defenses [2].

Columbia Sportswear is scheduled to announce its second quarter earnings on July 5, 2025. In the first quarter of this year, the company reported a net sales increase of 1% to $778.5 million [2].

References:
[1] https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/iprotect-columbia-sportswear-vs-columbia-university
[2] https://www.fashiondive.com/news/columbia-sportswear-sues-columbia-university/756426/