Clothing companies of Europe may soon face restrictions on the use of stripes that resemble the Adidas three-stripe motif when the case filed by Adidas come for a hearing next month at the European Court of Justice. The case began about 10 years back in the Dutch courts and now it was referred by the Dutch adjudicators to the European Court. Although the dispute involves mainly Dutch companies, it is feared that the verdict will have influence on British firms that are blamed of copying the “Adidas motif”.

As many as hundred companies have been accused of unfair trade practices for duplicating the Adidas three stripe motif. The multinational company has recently won many trademark cases in France and Germany and from its statements it has become clear that the company is instigating action against these small business firms. However, the implications for others entirely depend on what the court decides.

Tim Behean, associate counsel for the multinational giant told that Adidas is mainly concerned about the legal protection of its famous logo and it is also anxious about how closely the logo can be imitated by others without any legal violation. He further added that if the other companies use the stripes in the same proportions, dimensions and positions as their trademark, then the customers will be confused and may think the brand is associated with Adidas and its renowned three stripes. So, preventing other companies from using a similar logo is a very significant issue for Adidas.