Outerwear retailer Columbia Sportswear has filed a lawsuit against Columbia University, alleging trademark infringement and breach of contract over the university's apparel sales. The suit, lodged on 23 July in federal court in Oregon, claims the university violated a 2023 agreement governing the use of the word 'Columbia' on merchandise.
According to the lawsuit, the 13 June 2023 pact required the university to include a recognizable school insignia, the word 'university', the academic department name, or the founding year 1754 on any items bearing 'Columbia'. However, Columbia Sportswear alleges that the university sold garments featuring only 'Columbia' without these identifiers, some in a bright blue colour 'confusingly similar' to the company's trademarked shade.
The retailer, based in Portland, Oregon, operates over 800 retail locations and sells through its website and third-party platforms. It claims the university's actions cause 'irreparable harm' to its brand and goodwill. The lawsuit seeks to halt sales of violating items, recall sold products, donate remaining stock to charity, and recover triple the actual damages awarded by a jury.
The legal action coincides with Columbia University facing potential loss of billions in government support. The university recently agreed to pay over $220m to the federal government to restore research funding cancelled amid antisemitism concerns, including $200m over three years.
