Keds Calls Hanes’ Champion Trademark Claims ‘Negotiation Tactic’

Keds LLC told a Boston federal court that Champion brand owner Hanesbrands Inc.‘s lawsuit over Keds’ use of “Champion” to sell shoes abroad is “nothing more than a negotiation tactic.”

“While Hanes may have buyers’ remorse for the deal it struck with Keds, filing a meritless federal court lawsuit cannot re-write the License Agreement,” Keds said.

Hanes sued Keds in July for trademark infringement and breach of contract, among other things, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The complaint said Hanes agreed in 1987 to share the Champion name with Keds on footwear in the ...