New Balance sues Decathlon over alleged logo infringement

New Balance has filed a lawsuit against Decathlon in a Massachusetts federal court, alleging trademark infringement and brand dilution regarding the logo used on Decathlon’s Kiprun running shoe line.

The dispute centers on a stylized logo that Decathlon claims represents a ‘K’ for its Kiprun brand. However, New Balance contends that the design, particularly when mirrored on the footwear, is ‘unmistakably an N’ and is ‘virtually identical’ to its own iconic trademark used since the 1970s. New Balance argues that the visual similarity is likely to cause consumer confusion and has cited social media discussions as evidence of this perceived resemblance.

The lawsuit targets several Kiprun models sold in the United States, including the Kipstorm Lab. New Balance is seeking a court order to stop the alleged infringement, the recall or destruction of affected products, and unspecified monetary damages. Decathlon previously declined requests to change the design, maintaining that the symbol is a ‘K’.