Adidas sues White Fox Boutique over four-stripe clothing design
Adidas claims the Sydney fashion brand copied its iconic three-stripe trademark with a strikingly similar four-stripe design.
Adidas has sued online fast-fashion retailer White Fox Boutique in the Federal Court. The company argues four parallel stripes on clothing infringe its three-stripe trademark.
Adidas has held this trademark in Australia for more than 50 years. White Fox rejected repeated requests to stop selling the striped items.
Adidas's lawyer argued the four-stripe design trades on Adidas's reputation. He pointed to an influencer wearing White Fox stripes next to genuine Adidas shoes.
This showed the risk of confusion. White Fox says four stripes are simply decorative, not a trademark.
The company argues other brands like Princess Polly and Shein use similar designs. White Fox notes Adidas's own slogan is the brand with three stripes, emphasis on the three.
A Federal Court hearing is set for early 2027. Adidas won a similar case in 2013 against another retailer over striped shoes.
- more than 50 years in Australia
- Adidas trademark duration
- Patrick Flynn SC
- Adidas barrister
- Ed Heerey KC
- White Fox barrister
Why it mattersThe outcome will test how strictly courts protect the iconic three-stripe trademark. It will also show whether fast-fashion retailers can safely use similar designs.
AustraliaAn Australian company faces potential orders to cease production and surrender profits if Adidas wins.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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