"Nike Wins Partial Appeal in Adidas Stripes Dispute"

Nike has emerged partially victorious in an appeal against Adidas over a stripes dispute in Germany. This development signifies a significant legal win for Nike in the ongoing battle between the two sportswear giants. The decision sheds light on the complexities of intellectual property rights and brand identity in the competitive landscape of the apparel industry.

BERLIN, May 28 (Reuters) - Nike, listed as NKE.N, has been given permission by a court ruling on Tuesday to include three stripes on certain trouser designs in Germany. This decision comes amid a second appeal hearing where the U.S. sports apparel company is facing off against its competitor Adidas (ADSGn.DE). Previously, the Duesseldorf regional court had barred Nike from featuring two or three stripes on five trouser designs following a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by Adidas in 2022.

On Tuesday, a court ruling granted Nike, identified as NKE.N, the authority to incorporate three stripes on specific trouser designs within Germany. This development occurs during a second appeal hearing, as Nike contends with rival Adidas (ADSGn.DE). Earlier, the Duesseldorf regional court had prohibited Nike from utilizing two or three stripes on five trouser designs, in response to a trademark infringement lawsuit initiated by Adidas in 2022.

Nike argues that Adidas' scope of protection is excessively limited, asserting that striped embellishment does not inherently signify association with a particular brand.

Source: Reuters‍