Hawick - Scottish knitwear brand Lyle & Scott has launched a lawsuit against American Eagle Outfitters following a dispute over its use of the iconic eagle logo.
Lyle & Scott has alleged that the US-based brand has infringed its trademark by using an almost identical flying eagle on its merchandise.
Both companies use a branded flying eagle image on their clothing, Lyle & Scott since at least 1968 and American Eagle Outfitters since 1982. Although there are certain differences between the eagles, they are very similar.
Following a discovery that American Eagle Outfitters had been using its image on clothing sold in the UK and the European Union, Lyle & Scott contends that American Eagle Outfitters has infringed its registered trademarks in these regions.
Initially, the two companies negotiated an agreement that the US firm would pay Lyle & Scott $1million and only sell its clothes in its own stores and website to avoid confusing customers.
However, Lyle & Scott now alleges that American Eagle breached the agreement when it started to sell its products through UK-based retail websites including Asos and Zalando in 2020.
Lyle & Scott is seeking damages for breach of contract and an injunction restraining AE from selling in the UK through third-party websites or stores.
The claim is scheduled to be heard at the High Court in London this month.
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