COC Threatens To Sue The North Face For Trademark Violations Over Sochi-Themed Gear

The Canadian Olympic Committee is "threatening legal action against The North Face," claiming the brand associated itself with the upcoming Sochi Games "without paying for an official sponsorship," according to Susan Krashinsky of the GLOBE & MAIL. The current dispute is "over a line of clothing North Face launched in November called the 'International Collection.'" A few pieces of clothing "sometimes featured a patch with the symbol 'RU 14' -- a reference to the Winter Games in Sochi," while other merchandise "showed a world map with a red star where Sochi is located." The North Face is "not a marketing partner" of the IOC or COC. The COC said that the company's collection "violates its trademarks," and added that it "wants to settle the dispute without going to court" (GLOBE & MAIL, 1/22).