Sportswear giant Adidas has reversed its decision to oppose the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation’s trademark application featuring three parallel stripes, just two days after filing for rejection with the US Trademark Office.
The company’s opposition was based on the belief that the yellow-stripe design was too similar to its famous three-stripe mark, which has been in use since 1952.
Without giving a reason for the retraction, the company said in a statement, “Adidas will withdraw its opposition to the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation’s trademark application as soon as possible.”
The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation is the most prominent entity in the decentralized Black Lives Matter movement that began a decade ago in protest against police brutality and violence against black people.
The group applied for a federal trademark in November 2020 covering a yellow three-stripe design to use on a range of products, including clothing, publications, bags, bracelets, and mugs.
According to The Guardian, the company added that consumers familiar with its goods and services “are likely to assume” that those offered under the applicant’s mark “originate from the same source, or that they are affiliated, connected, or associated with or sponsored by Adidas.”
The decision also demonstrates the importance of being mindful of trademark laws and the potential impact that trademark infringement can have on brand identity and reputation.
Since 2008, Adidas has filed more than 90 lawsuits and signed more than 200 settlement agreements related to the infamous three-stripe trademark.
Adidas has been suffering financially within the last few months, particularly after cutting business ties with rapper Kanye West and his collaborative brand, Yeezy. Ending this partnership has hit their operating profits by over $500 million.
Adidas has remained on the struggle bus since 2020. I guess it’s true what they say – “Go Woke, Go Broke.”
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