Adidas Initiates Trademark Infringement Litigation Against White Fox

Adidas has initiated legal proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against retailer White Fox, alleging trademark infringement regarding the use of a four-stripe design on apparel. The plaintiff contends that the design is deceptively similar to its registered three-stripe trademark, which has been protected in Australia since 1957.

The litigation follows failed attempts to resolve the dispute through private correspondence initiated in March. Adidas asserts that the defendant’s marketing practices, which include pairing White Fox products with genuine Adidas footwear in advertisements, create a false association between the two brands and exploit the plaintiff’s market reputation.

White Fox has denied the allegations, signaling an intent to argue that the use of decorative stripes is common practice among other prominent Australian retailers. The defendant has reportedly altered digital marketing materials to remove branding following the commencement of legal action.

A trial is scheduled for early next year to address claims for damages, including the disgorgement of profits derived from the disputed products. This case represents a significant test of trademark enforcement for the plaintiff, which previously secured a favorable ruling against a similar four-stripe design in 2013.