U.S. News | Leonard McGurr Sues the North Face for Trademark Infringement

Graffiti artist, Leonard McGurr has filed a lawsuit in a California Central District Court against the North Face for trademark infringement.

The plaintiff alleges that the North Face is using an identical logo to his atom design without permission or authorization.

The plaintiff reportedly said that the defendant used the identical logo in The North Face’s FUTURELIGHT line which suggests an affiliation or relationship with the plaintiff brand with the aim of profiting off the Futura brand.

The plaintiff alleges that the defendants made no attempt to get permission from Futura, or even inform Futura, before making extensive use of the infringing logo in a $20 million advertising campaign

The plaintiff reportedly said that use of the similar logo has caused lots of damages and unfair competition.

The plaintiff reportedly said that the FUTURELIGHT trademark has caused confusion to her customers into believing that the North Face’s goods were designed by, or otherwise affiliated with Futura.

The legal representative of the plaintiff, Jeff Gluck reportedly said that “The North Face seems like they care a lot about being cool. This is probably the most uncool thing they have ever done. We gave them every opportunity to try and resolve these claims, but they had no interest.”

The plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction and payment for damages.

The case is pending.

McGurr v. The North Face Apparel Corp. et al