Columbia v Columbia

12th August 2025

Columbia Sportswear is in a legal tussle with Columbia University over the sale of branded clothing.

The sportswear company that sells snowsports gear has filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for alleged trademark infringement, unfair competition and breach of contract.

“The word ‘Columbia’ refers to only one thing in the minds of consumers of apparel, footwear and related accessories: a long-standing, well-known brand that offers high-quality recreational products, clothing and gear to consumers at accessible prices,” the sportswear company wrote in its complaint.

 “The University’s conduct is currently causing and/or is reasonably likely to cause substantial confusion in the marketplace.”

The University and the sportswear company reached agreement in 2023, when an agreement was signed that allowed the University to sell Columbia-emblazoned gear, as long as it also featured some of the University’s indicia (symbols that indicate the school alone), which include a shield, a crown, a “C” design, or Columbia’s lion mascot.

As long as the University’s merchandise included one of the items above, or the word University, the name of a particular school at the University, or the number 1754, the sportswear company and the University could co-exist, the company said.

However, the University began selling shirts, hats, and other items that simply stated ‘Columbia,’ the company claims, which created confusion.

Columbia Sportswear is seeking a jury trial and treble damages, or three times the number of actual damages determined by a jury.

It’s also seeking to prohibit any sale of clothing that breaches the parties’ contract, to recall any products already sold, and donating any remaining merchandise to charity.

Columbia University has not responded to the lawsuit.