Columbia University Must Face Columbia Sportswear Suit in Oregon

Columbia University failed to convince an Oregon federal court that Columbia Sportswear Co.'s trademark lawsuit belongs in New York.

Alleged online sales—however limited—of “Columbia” merchandise without University indicia into Oregon constitutes the school directing its activities toward the state, the US District Court for the District of Oregon said. Judge Amy M. Baggio added that transfer would be inappropriate, as weight is given to the plaintiff’s choice of forum and the university failed to make a compelling case that the balance of the factors favored transfer.

The ruling keeps the lawsuit in the sportswear company’s backyard as it argues the ...