It's been awhile since New Balance sued Converse in a confusing case over the Chuck Taylor, and now it's finally come to a close.
The Fashion Law reports that New Balance was successful in its lawsuit, scoring what it calls a landmark victory over Converse.
This suit stems from New Balance's ownership of the PF Flyers brand, which came under fire in October of 2014 when Converse filed lawsuits against over 20 different brands for infringing upon the Chuck Taylor's design.
Instead of backing down, New Balance fought back, arguing that Converse's trademarks—which include canvas shoes with rubber toe caps and striped midsoles—were too vague.
"Unfortunately, Converse’s overly aggressive actions unfairly put at risk legitimate and longtime users of the design combination and this lawsuit is necessary to protect the PF Flyers brand," New Balance said at the time.
It took awhile, but the International Trade Commission returned with good news for New Balance.
"While New Balance respects competitors’ valid intellectual property rights and enforces its own trademarks in footwear, no single company owns the exclusive right to make classic athletic footwear with the combination of a toe cap, toe bumper, and midsole stripes as Converse claimed in this case," New Balance Executive Vice President and General Counsel Paul Gauron said.
