Superdry sues Manchester City over alleged trademark infringement
Superdry has sued Manchester City over allegations of trademark infringement on the football club’s training kit.
The Premier League champions have been hit with a High Court claim from the British fashion brand, according to The Telegraph.
Over the summer, Manchester City revealed beer manufacturer Asahi Super ‘Dry’ would feature on its mens and women's kits during 2023-24.
Superdry alleged "the differences between Super ‘Dry’ and Superdry are so insignificant that they may go unnoticed by the average consumer".
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The brand requested an "injunction to restrain" Manchester City from using its name. It is also pursuing costs, although it is "presently unable to quantify the exact financial value of this claim".
On behalf of Superdry, Fox Williams LLP’s Philip Roberts said that the sponsored kit was "identical to each of the selected goods" – including the long-sleeved zip tops and short-sleeved shirts referenced in the filing.
Williams added that the sponsored kit is "identical with or similar to the mark for which the Superdry Registrations are registered in relation to goods identical with or similar to those for which the Superdry Registrations are registered, in circumstances liable to give rise to a likelihood of confusion on the part of the public".
Manchester City announced the "new non-alcoholic version of the Asahi iconic brand" had become the club’s official training kit partner in July.
