Next PLC (LSE:NXT) has been accused by Harley Davidson of copying the motorbike maker’s logo for a children’s t-shirt it sold.
In a high-court dispute between the two companies, Harley Davidson has demanded Next remove from sale and destroy all its long-sleeve “motorbike-inspired” t-shirts.
Harley Davidson argued that the product, which features biker angel wings with flames above it, “essentially replicates” the renowned logo.
Credit: Sara Stathas
The US company said It said in a court document that the t-shirt includes “graphic material and text which is...commonly seen in the context of a motorcycle-based branding and more specifically the claimants’ branding”.
Next has kept the t-shirts on sale for ages 3-16 and describes the design as a “motorbike-inspired graphic with flame sleeve prints”.
Harley Davidson added that the clothing would “call [Harley’s imagery] to mind for many members of the public” and could cause “confusion on the part of the relevant average consumer”.
Some 5% of Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG)’s annual sales come from clothing, with more than £192 million having been generated from the channel in 2023.