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Columbia Sportswear sues Columbia University over trademark

The outerwear retailer alleges trademark infringement in a lawsuit over university merchandise.

August 1, 2025 at 10:53 PM

Columbia Sportswear sues Columbia University, alleging merchandise too similar and causes confusion

Columbia Sportswear sues Columbia University over trademark infringement issues.

Columbia Sportswear initiates legal action against Columbia University

Columbia Sportswear, based in Portland, Oregon, has filed a lawsuit against Columbia University, claiming trademark infringement and breach of contract. The lawsuit, submitted on July 23 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, asserts that the university's merchandise resembles Columbia Sportswear's products too closely, potentially confusing consumers. According to the lawsuit, the university violated an agreement from June 2023 that restricted how it could use the name 'Columbia' on apparel. This agreement stipulated that any use of the 'Columbia' name should be accompanied by official school identifiers or other specific elements. Columbia Sportswear states that it has observed products on the university's online store that lack these identifiers and are marketed simply as 'Columbia'. This breach reportedly poses risks to the integrity of the Columbia brand, which Columbia Sportswear argues could inflict irreparable harm on its reputation.

Key Takeaways

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Columbia Sportswear claims trademark infringement by Columbia University.

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The lawsuit alleges breach of a June 2023 agreement on merchandise branding.

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University's products may confuse customers by resembling Columbia Sportswear.

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The colors and branding used by Columbia University are questioned for similarity.

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Columbia Sportswear seeks damages three times greater than actual losses.

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Legal implications may influence how schools brand merchandise in the future.

""The likelihood of deception, confusion, and mistake engendered by the university’s misappropriation is causing irreparable harm.""

This quote from the lawsuit emphasizes the potential harm to Columbia Sportswear's brand identity.

""The agreement dictated how the university could use the word 'Columbia' on its apparel and accessories.""

This quote outlines the terms of the agreement that Columbia Sportswear alleges has been violated, which forms the basis of the lawsuit.

""Columbia University has been threatened with the potential loss of billions of dollars in government support.""

This quote highlights additional financial pressures the university faces, adding a layer of complexity to the legal dispute.

The legal battle between Columbia Sportswear and Columbia University highlights significant concerns regarding brand identity and market clarity. In an increasingly competitive retail landscape, where brand differentiation is key, Columbia Sportswear's actions symbolize a protective stance towards its reputation and consumer recognition. Moreover, this dispute arises amid broader financial pressures facing Columbia University, suggesting that the institution is navigating complex challenges both in reputation management and fiscal accountability. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent on trademark usage in academic environments, shedding light on how educational institutions leverage brand affiliations in a commercial setting.