Native America, Discovered and Conquered
Thomas Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, and Manifest Destiny
by Robert J. Miller

Navajo Nation sues Urban Outfitters for trademark infringement

June 20th, 2012

The Navajo Nation has sued the clothing retailer Urban Outfitters for trademark infringement. Months before, the Nation sent a cease-and-desist letter to Urban Outfitters demanding it stop using the “Navajo” name. The suit filed last Tuesday in federal court in New Mexico alleges trademark violations and violations of the federal Indian Arts and Crafts Act. This Act makes it illegal to sell arts or crafts in a way that falsely suggests they were made by American Indians.  Susan Scafidi, who directs the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham University’s law school in New York, claims the trademark infringement is clear. 

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages and an injunction to prevent Urban Outfitters from using the Navajo name (or variations such as “Navaho”) on its products.

A representative of the Navajo Nation stated that the Tribe had no connection whatsoever with Urban Outfitters, and that the infringement violations were “derogatory and scandalous.” The controversy was stirred up when Urban Outfitters introduced its Native American inspired line of products, which included Navajo underwear and liquor flasks. The production and sale of liquor flasks is particularly offensive to the Navajo Nation in light of the fact that the sale and consumption of alcohol is banned in the Navajo Reservation.

 

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 20th, 2012 at 6:25 pm and is filed under Indian Law. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

One Response to “Navajo Nation sues Urban Outfitters for trademark infringement”

  1. Dorian
    June 26th, 2012 11:52
    1

    Wow. Good luck to them with this lawsuit.

    Dorian

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