ASOS settles trademark disputes with Assos and Anson's

ASOS has settled on-going trademark disputes with a Swiss cycling-wear brand Assos and German menswear retailer Anson's.

The London-based global fashion etailer has agreed to pay a total of £20.2m to Assos and Anson's in "a full, final and global settlement of all outstanding litigation". The result will secure "a comprehensive co-existence for all parties," it said.

ASOS chief executive Nick Beighton said agreeing the payment was "the right commercial decision" for the business at this stage. The disputes had resulted in several cases being heard in court, as well as multiple trade mark registry actions around the world.

ASOS CEO: Nick Beighton

ASOS is a global fashion destination for 20-somethings selling a range of young fashion brands, as well as its highly successful own brand for men and women. Founded in 2000, the business attracts tens of millions of visitors to its site each month; in June 2016 its site attracted 123m visitors and recorded 12m active customers of which 4.6m came from the UK with the balance from the rest of the world.

Assos is a specialist in high performance cycle-wear. It was established in the 1970s and is renowned for its innovative apparel. Anson's is a multi-brand menswear retailer founded in 1989 and stocks a range of premium brands including BOSS, Polo Ralph Lauren, Belstaff and Woolrich.