Too Early to Toss Equestrian Brands’ Copyright Fight, Judge Says

All That Show Clothing can’t escape Blond Apparel’s lawsuit accusing the fellow equestrian attire company of copying its ornate designs because there are multiple factual disputes, a federal judge ruled.

Questions remain about who created the designs first and whether Blond Apparel’s styles qualify for trade dress protection because of the case’s “rather naked record,” said Judge Tilman E. Self, III, in a Wednesday order denying ATSC’s motion for judgment on the pleadings.

The shirts at issue are “strikingly similar,” Self said, adding that Blond Apparel alleged sufficient facts to demonstrate there is a substantial likelihood of confusion. He also ...