Coach files lawsuit against clothing retailer Gap

Coach claims that the unauthorized use of its trademarks on the t-shirts has caused “irreparable harm” because Coach’s trademarks symbolize “a unique blend of fashion, craftsmanship, style, and function” reflected in the sale of “luxury lifestyle items,” not t-shirts.

The apparel brand, founded in 1941, seeks unspecified damages for trademark infringement, counterfeiting, and violations of a California unfair competition law, as well as the destruction of unsold inventory of the infringing clothing.

While many luxury retailers file lawsuits to prevent the sale of alleged knockoffs, the defendants are often small businesses, importers, and website operators rather than publicly traded companies such as Gap, based in San Francisco, has declined to comment on the pending litigation.

The case, titled Tapestry Inc et al v Gap Inc, has been filed in the U.S.