Columbia Sportswear sues Columbia University, alleging merchandise too similar and causes confusion

For decades, T-shirts, sweatshirts and other clothing under the Columbia Sportswear brand and clothing emblazoned with the Columbia University name coexisted more or less peacefully without confusion. But now, the Portland-based outdoor retailer has sued the New York-based university over alleged trademark infringement and a breach of contract, among other charges. It claims that the university’s merchandise looks too similar to what’s being sold at more than 800 retail locations including more than 150 of its branded stores as well as its website and third-party marketplaces.