Columbia Sportswear Sues Shoe Company Over ‘Omniflex’ Trademark

A shoe company selling minimalist shoe soles under the name “Omniflex” infringes Columbia Sportswear Co.‘s rights to a group of trademarks under the “Omni” brand, Columbia is alleging in an Oregon federal lawsuit.

Softstar Shoes’ recent release of its Omniflex shoe sole “creates the exact same commercial impression” as the family of Omni trademarks owned by Columbia and used for shoes and outdoor gear, Columbia alleged, causing consumer confusion.

Softstar Shoes, whose corporate name is Barefoot Creations LLC, advertises its shoes as providing minimal cushioning to encourage “healthy food development.”

Columbia first introduced the Omni brand in 1991 under ...