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High-brow British fashion company Burberry accused Target ripping off its trademarked plaid pattern for knock-off merchandise, in a lawsuit filed in federal court. 

The complaint from Burberry, the British luxury apparel company known for its distinctive check pattern accused Target of putting the design on luggage, scarves and other products without permission. The company charged  Target with "egregious misappropriation of Burberry's famous and iconic luxury check trademarks," in the suit filed May 2 in New York.   

Burberry alleged Target has sold a variety of products that are close imitations or counterfeit versions of the trademarked Burberry check. 

For instance, Burberry said that "although Target's copycat scarves are of inferior quality, they are superficially indistinguishable from genuine Burberry scarves." 

The company said it asked Target last year to stop such sales. Burberry says Target's sales are hurting its brand and must end. It wants $2 million for each trademark violation.  

"At Target, we have great respect for design rights. We are aware of the filing by Burberry and hope to address the matter in a reasonable manner," said a Target spokesperson.

Burberry says it introduced the Burberry check in the 1920s and has used it on many products since. 

The company said the Burberry check is not only registered in a distinctive red, camel, black and white check color pattern but also without any color designation. Burberry contends it has the exclusive right to use the trademarked check pattern in any color combination and has done so for nearly a century.

Business and Economic News

Martin Moylan

Author

The high-end British fashion company Burberry has sued Minneapolis-based Target, accusing the retailer of selling illegal knock-offs of its trademarked check pattern.

Lawsuit: Burberry accuses Target of ripping off signature plaid

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