Hanes Sues Keds for Allegedly Infringing ‘Champion’ Trademarks

Keds LLC’s use of the name “Champion” to sell shoes internationally infringes Champion brand owner Hanesbrands Inc.‘s trademarks, according to a complaint filed in Boston federal court.

Hanes also told the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on Friday that Keds refuses to renegotiate the parties’ licensing agreement in order to take advantage of Hanes’ temporary halt to challenges to Keds’ use of the marks.

The complaint says Hanes first agreed in 1987 to share the Champion name with Keds for footwear in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. According to the complaint, the agreement allows Keds ...