Resident Sues J. Crew Over Lower East Side Trademark

Slapping the “Bowery” or “Lower East Side” brand on clothing and accessories these days is all the rage. Hoodies, tees, boots, perfumes, and the like are fair game.  Just ask J. Crew, who nabs neighborhood street names for its product lines.

But a quick note to all you entrepreneurial fashion upstarts out there – refrain from using “LOWER EAST SIDE” or “THE LOWER” on any of your new apparel.  Indeed, Clinton Street resident Robert G. Lopez allegedly owns the trademark for the area designation. Since 1997, Lopez has operated an independent line called L.E.S. Clothing Co., which sells branded tees, caps, hoodies, and other urban streetwear. See where this is going?

Armed with this intellectual property (trademark #R31067), Lopez is going after the J. Crew Goliath for trademark infringement. He is suing for all profits received exploiting LOWER EAST SIDE and punitive damages, and will be representing himself in the case, sans attorney (pro se). Seems like a bit of a stretch that a jury would rule in his favor. What do you think?

J Crew Trademark Infringement Lawsuit Lower East Side

[via Fame Appeal]