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Posted by Sara Zucker on December 18, 2009 10:15 AM
Fashion firm LVMH is known for leveling copyright infringement lawsuits against competitors. Recently, however, the tables were turned as New Balance claimed that the Louis Vuitton Minstrel sneaker -- with a price-tag of $590 -- is a copy of New Balance's popular 574 style. The footwear company's shoe costs a mere fraction at $70.
New Balance filed the lawsuit in mid-September in Boston’s U.S. District Court.
“Louis Vuitton’s deliberate attempt to trade off of the New Balance trade dress is clear from the fact that the principal color in which the Minstrel is offered is a gray/gray colorway that, in conjunction with the New Balance trade dress, is exclusively associated with New Balance as source."
One would think being associated with an expensive luxury brand would be a positive development for New Balance. In reality, it's quite the opposite.
The brand claims.
"Louis Vuitton’s superior marketing ability and fame is likely to lead to reverse confusion because some relevant consumers will come to associate the 574 design with Louis Vuitton, not New Balance.”
The 574 sneaker is not a new design. Created in the mid-1990s, it quickly became New Balance’s most popular style. Placed next to the Minstel, the similarities are undeniable. Now that LV finds itself playing defense, it will be interesting to see how the luxury brand handles the accusation.
Everyone loves a good David vs. Goliath story. Or in the case the $70 shoe versus its $590 competitor.
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