Dutch retailer HEMA's children's clothing with images of crocodiles infringes the trademark rights of fashion brand Lacoste. In 2018 the The Hague Court in preliminary relief proceedings in The Hague ruled that the crocodiles could remain on the children's clothing, but the Court of Appeal - after appeal - did not agree.
HEMA is no longer allowed to sell the underwear bearing the crocodiles and must also reimburse part of the legal costs (€31,000) incurred by Lacoste.
HEMA started selling the children's underwear in the spring of 2018. A few months later, Lacoste took HEMA to court because the chain sells children's clothing with a crocodile on it.
Incidentally, this is not the first time that the Dutch retailer has been accused of counterfeiting clothing from other brands. HEMA had previously had to pay Levi's more than 4.4 million euros in damages. The back pockets of the jeans looked too much like those of the American fashion brand.
In 2014, HEMA was taken to court by winemaker Ilja Gort. The tulip on the wine label was allegedly taken over by HEMA. The shop chain promised to change the labels on the products.
© photo: Hema
