Monster Energy Sues Outdoor Gear Maker Over 4monster Branding

Monster Energy Co. alleges that outdoor bags, towels, clothing, and other gear sold under the brand name 4monster infringes the energy drink giant’s trademarks, according to a complaint filed Wednesday in San Diego federal court.

The complaint said that the 4monster mark is confusingly similar to Monster Energy, and that 4monster’s outdoor gear often uses a “nearly identical” green and black color combination.

Monster Energy said it used its trademarks and trade dress on bags, towels, and clothing long before Jiangsu Sitouguai Industrial Co., the Chinese company which owns the 4monster brand. Monster Energy has licensing deals with several manufacturers ...