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In a significant development in the ongoing trademark dispute between Nike and Adidas, the Duesseldorf regional court has ruled in favor of Nike, allowing the company to include three stripes on some of its trouser designs in Germany. This decision, announced on May 28, 2024, partially overturns a previous ruling that had banned Nike from using two or three stripes on five of its trouser designs due to a lawsuit filed by Adidas in 2022.

Adidas, renowned for its iconic three-stripe trademark, has aggressively protected its brand through numerous legal battles. Since 2008, Adidas has filed over 90 lawsuits and signed more than 200 settlement agreements related to its three-stripe trademark. This extensive history of litigation underscores the brand’s commitment to safeguarding its distinctive design.

The latest court decision marks a partial victory for Nike, as it is now permitted to use the three-stripe design on four of the disputed trouser models. However, the ban on one specific model remains in place, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in trademark disputes between major corporations.

This case is a continuation of the broader legal landscape where Adidas has actively defended its three-stripe trademark. Notably, Adidas has previously engaged in high- profile legal battles, including a recent case against designer Thom Browne.

Additionally, last year, Adidas withdrew its request to the US authorities to reject a trademark application by Black Lives Matter, which featured a design with three parallel stripes, fearing potential confusion with its own branding.

The ongoing legal tussles between Nike and Adidas reflect the high stakes involved in the sportswear industry, where brand identity and trademark protection are critical to maintaining market position and consumer recognition.

As the competition between these two giants continues, the recent ruling by the Duesseldorf court signifies an important, albeit partial, victory for Nike, offering a precedent for future trademark disputes in the fashion and sportswear sectors.