Lululemon Sues Costco Over Alleged Athleisure Knockoffs

Lululemon has filed a federal lawsuit against Costco, accusing the retail giant of selling knockoff versions of its signature apparel under the Kirkland Signature label.

The lawsuit, filed last week, claims that Costco is illegally copying Lululemon’s patented designs particularly popular items like the Scuba hoodie, Define jacket, and ABC pants and marketing them at significantly lower prices.

Lululemon argues that Costco is capitalizing on its reputation and design innovation without investing in the research and development that built the brand’s identity.

The lawsuit points to a surge in online attention around “dupes,” with hashtags like #LululemonDupes trending across social media platforms, promoting lookalike products.

While consumers may see these lower-priced alternatives as budget-friendly options, Lululemon views them as clear infringements on its intellectual property.

The case brings renewed focus to the growing “dupes economy,” raising legal and ethical questions about where inspiration ends and imitation begins.

As of now, Costco has not publicly commented on the allegations. The outcome of this lawsuit could have major implications for fashion retailers and how design rights are enforced in the era of viral trends.

Read the original article here:https://apnews.com/article/lululemon-costco-athleisure-dupe-peloton-8ab1ee7e7e69a89931558d615f8fab1a