Peloton sues Lululemon

Bloomberg has reported that Peloton Interactive Inc. has sued Lululemon Athletica Inc. in a preemptive move to protect their new athletic-wear line from a trademark by Lululemon, their former co-branding partner. In a November 11 cease-and-desist letter, Lululemon claimed five Peloton products infringed on their apparel design patents. Peloton responded by suing Lululemon in Manhattan federal court.

Pelton says they have been selling apparel since 2014 and began their clothing line in September after terminating their co-branding relationship with Lululemon. Lululemon has threatened to sue over infringement of trademark, trade dress, and theft of trade secrets.

“Lululemon’s allegations lack any merit,” Peloton said in the complaint. “Even a quick comparison of the Lululemon patented designs with the allegedly infringing Peloton products reveals numerous clear and obvious differences that allow the products to be easily distinguished.”

On Friday, a spokesperson for Lululemon said they have “requested that Peloton cease and desist selling a number of styles of apparel which we believe infringe upon Lululemon’s design patents. We will defend our proprietary rights, to protect the integrity of our brand, and to safeguard our intellectual property.”

The products in question are Peloton’s Strappy Bra, Cadent Laser Dot Legging, Cadent Laser Dot Bra, High Neck Bra, Cadent Peak Bra, and One Lux Tight. The termination of the original co-branding partnership was described as amicable, but this lawsuit, on the other hand, appears to be a much different story.