**Golden Goose, the Italian luxury footwear company, has filed a lawsuit against New Balance, alleging that the American sportswear giant’s ‘Dad Shoe’ design infringes on its own registered trademarks.**.
In the complaint, filed in a federal court in Manhattan on Wednesday, Golden Goose claims that New Balance’s ‘574’ and ‘990’ sneakers bear striking similarities to its own ‘Superstar’ and ‘Slide’ models. The company alleges that New Balance’s use of similar design elements, including the chunky silhouette, exaggerated outsoles, and retro styling, has caused confusion among consumers and damaged Golden Goose’s reputation..
Golden Goose is seeking unspecified damages and an injunction to prevent New Balance from further selling the allegedly infringing shoes. The company is also asking the court to order New Balance to recall and destroy all existing pairs of the shoes..
New Balance has yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit. However, the company has a history of defending its intellectual property rights. In 2019, New Balance sued Skechers for allegedly copying the design of its popular ‘574’ sneaker. That case was eventually settled out of court..
The ‘Dad Shoe’ trend has been gaining popularity in recent years, with brands such as New Balance, Golden Goose, and Balenciaga releasing their own versions of the chunky, retro-inspired sneakers. The trend has been particularly popular with younger consumers, who are drawn to the shoes’ nostalgic appeal and comfort..
Golden Goose, known for its high-end designer sneakers, has been a pioneer in the ‘Dad Shoe’ trend. The company’s ‘Superstar’ and ‘Slide’ models have been worn by celebrities and fashion influencers alike, and have helped to establish Golden Goose as a leading player in the luxury sneaker market..
New Balance, on the other hand, is a more established sportswear brand with a long history of producing athletic shoes. The company’s ‘574’ and ‘990’ sneakers are two of its most popular models, and are known for their durability and comfort..
The lawsuit between Golden Goose and New Balance is likely to have a significant impact on the ‘Dad Shoe’ market. If Golden Goose is successful in its claims, it could set a precedent for other luxury brands to pursue similar lawsuits against companies that they believe are infringing on their designs. This could make it more difficult for smaller brands to compete in the increasingly competitive sneaker market..
It is also worth noting that the ‘Dad Shoe’ trend is not new. Similar chunky, retro-inspired sneakers have been popular in the past, and it is possible that the trend will eventually fade away. However, the lawsuit between Golden Goose and New Balance highlights the importance of intellectual property rights in the fashion industry, and serves as a reminder that brands need to be vigilant in protecting their designs..
