Reebok, sponsor of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, has released a clothing line with the name of the popular Irish fighter Conor McGregor. That is confusing, Dutch fashion chain McGregor complains.
Controversial
“Clothing has been available on the European market for decades under the McGregor brand,” says lawyer Remco van Leeuwen in an interview with Dutch channel RTLZ: “The public may confuse Reebok’s clothing with McGregor’s.” The brand does not want that, partly because McGregor is a controversial figure, who often gets negative press. Moreover, the Dutch company is known for classic polo shirts and shirts, not for sporty t-shirts and hoodies. That is why it is filing a lawsuit against Adidas, the parent company of Reebok, demanding the ban the sale of the clothing line in Europe.
That Conor McGregor’s full name is on the clothing, does not make a difference according to van Leeuwen. “If they use the name McGregor as a brand, meaning as a distinguishing sign for products, confusion may arise with the public and then we have a problem.” Next week, the court of The Hague will declare a verdict.
