Apparel and Footwear

Represented a US athletic footwear and apparel corporation on all design matters in the United Kingdom. Advised on design strategy for three of the client's business units and managed the design portfolio and enforcement programs for the company—one of the largest of its kind.

Represented an international sportswear manufacturing company in the defense of a lawsuit brought by an international competitor in state court in South Carolina. The plaintiff alleged that one of its former employees misappropriated trade secrets upon his resignation and took them to our client. After multiple hearings and a significant amount of electronic discovery, the matter was dismissed. The matter was important because it staved off an attempt by a much larger competitor to eliminate what it perceived to be one of its significant competitors. Also, by achieving early dismissal, we saved our client hundreds of thousands of dollars on litigation costs and fees, as well as millions of dollars in potential damages.

Represented one of Australia’s most-recognized swimwear and women’s beachwear fashion brands in copyright infringement proceedings that were issued in Australia, Canada, and France.

Advised a clothing retailer and wholesaler in relation to a trademark infringement claim in the Federal Court of Australia brought against an Internet shopping discount service.

Advised a major Italian fashion group and one of its brands in connection with distribution policy and antitrust compliance.

Advised an FTSE 100 fashion retailer in relation to disputed claims under its credit risk insurance policy.

Advised a multinational athletic apparel company on the finance aspects of its sponsorship and licensing agreement with a professional football club, reported to be at the time one of the biggest commercial deals in European football history.

Represented a major Korean shoe manufacturer in distribution arrangements with US and European counterparties.

Assisted a clothing and accessories company in securing a TRO and preliminary injunction against multiple manufacturers and sellers infringing the trade dress of client's handbags and travel bags.

Advised a sports apparel manufacturer regarding periodic updates to its Supplier Code of Conduct and supply contracts.

Defended a shoe manufacturer in a dispute over advertising injury coverage involving the use of a deceased athlete's name to advertise and market running shoes and apparel. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court unanimously overruled the trial court and found that insurers breached their duty to defend in a case of first impression.

Represented an international producer and distributor of textiles and outdoor gear in structuring and drafting a retail store license and supply agreement.

Conducted FTA training and advised on updates for a global sporting goods retailer's ASEAN regional supply chain and government affairs teams.

Represented a joint venture between a fashion retailer and a clothing company in connection with the licensing of marks for the women’s collections.

Advised an investment firm on its acquisition of a controlling stake in the parent company of a manufacturer and distributor of branded and own-label clothing supplying some of the United Kingdom’s leading retailers.

Advised a Los Angeles, California-based women’s fashion designer on a buyout of a footwear sourcing company, a 50% owner of the company.

Advised a designer and manufacturer of handbags and leather goods in relation to capital raisings and corporate law.

Represented an Italian menswear couture house on various day-to-day HR issues, including contractual concerns, visas, redundancy, and performance management.

Assisted a manufacturer of sustainable, reusable absorbent apparel in the preparation of privacy policies and collection statements to comply with statutory obligations under the Australian privacy regime.

Acted for a manufacturer and distributor of outerwear and sportswear for its PRC joint venture with its Great China agent and the relevant assets acquisition and business transfer.

Represented a sportswear company in a strategic trademark campaign in the German market against various competitors, leading to the negotiation of various out-of-court settlements and coexistence agreements.

Represented a multinational apparel company in opposition to proposed public disclosures of its proprietary data and information by multiple state attorneys general and state and local government subdivisions, including taxing agencies, schools, and other statewide and local government agencies.

Advised a European clothing brand on the complete restructuring of the group through a restructuring plan under the German StaRUG proceedings, which allowed the company to decrease debts outside of an insolvency proceeding.

Defended a clothing and accessories company against a fitness company’s claims of trademark infringement, unfair competition/passing off, and related state law claims relating to our client's use of certain words in marketing.

Assisted a US clothing and home decor retailer that specialises in casual clothing, luggage, and home furnishing in its expansion into the UK and EU markets.

Advised a Turkish fashion and outdoor apparel label in implementing its German web shop in compliance with EU and German privacy and ecommerce laws.

Represented a national (US) clothing company, and its executives, in connection with an investigation by US Customs and Border Protection into potential customs duties violations.

Defended an athletic footwear and apparel corporation in trademark litigation in the United Kingdom initiated by a competitor.

Managed the global trademark portfolio for a technical fabric manufacturer, including numerous opposition and cancellation actions globally.

Advised the special committee of the board of directors of a US-listed company that engages in the design and development of wholesale footwear, apparel, and accessories under its own brand in a proposed privatization.

Prepared anti-corruption compliance policies and procedures, including training materials and third-party agreements, for clients in the textiles/garments industry.

Advised a global manufacturer and retailer of outdoor clothing and sports equipment in federal trademark infringement, unfair competition, and consumer protection litigation in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Advised a leading US fashion brand on a multiyear, multimillion-dollar sponsorship of the US Olympic Team and the 2021-2028 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Paris, and Los Angeles.