Overview
- The suit, filed July 23 in U.S. District Court in Oregon, accuses Columbia University of trademark infringement, unfair competition and breach of contract after it sold apparel labeled only “Columbia.”
- The 2023 agreement required the university to pair its name with a mascot, insignia, academic department or founding year to distinguish its merchandise.
- Columbia Sportswear’s complaint highlights university garments in a bright blue similar to its trademark hue and featuring Nike and Champion logos that it says confuse consumers.
- The company wants to bar all unapproved “Columbia” products, recall existing stock, donate remaining items to charity and recover three times actual damages.
- Columbia University has declined to comment as the case moves forward alongside its $220 million settlement to restore federal research funding.