COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR SUES COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY FOR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT

“PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) – Oregon-based Columbia Sportswear has filed a lawsuit against Columbia University in New York over the use of the world “Columbia” on clothing items sold in the university’s bookstore.

The suit, filed on Wednesday, accuses Columbia University of trademark infringement, unfair competition, breach of contract, and other violations.

In the complaint, the sportswear company say “Columbia Sportswear has spent over 80 years building its reputation in the U.S. and around the world. Its trademarks symbolize Columbia Sportswear’s sterling reputation for high-quality active, outdoor, sporting, and recreational wear and gear.”

Columbia Sportswear acknowledges the history of Columbia University, which dates back to 1784 after changing its name from King’s College.

The company points to an agreement made in June of 2023 when the university agreed to use the word “Columbia” on apparel only when using symbols specific to the school like the school mascot or the word “university.” That deal allowed the company to manufacture apparel to be sold alongside other items in the university’s bookstore.

Columbia Sportswear says the university violated that agreement on numerous occasions, including with apparel made by Nike that simply said “Columbia” and had no other identifying symbols.

The company wants the university to stop selling the merchandise that they say violates the agreement and is also seeking damages for economic harm.

FOX 12 has reached out to Columbia University for comment lawsuit. The university said they will not comment on pending litigation.

Information take from Columbia Sportwear https://www.kptv.com/2025/07/24/columbia-sportswear-sues-columbia-university-trademark-infringement/

Imagen take from LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbia-sportswear/life/5b0e6750-a2b1-49c2-8872-9403c79d2452/

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