Earlier this month when US apparel retailer Francesca’s had launched Franki as a standalone brand, little did the retailer know it could be inviting some troubles.
Also Read: American apparel retailer Francesca’s launches Franki as a standalone brand
The fashion retailer has been just sued by Frankie’s on the Park – another US-based tween apparel retailer.
Frankie’s has asked the US District Court to stop Francesca’s from using Franki and to also award legal fees and damages.
In the documents submitted to the court, Frankie’s has accused Francesca’s Franki of trademark infringement, unfair competition and false designation of origin and unfair and deceptive trade practices.
Frankie’s on the Park also said in its suit that it had informed Francesca’s of its trademark after it came to know about the launch of Franki as a standalone brand.
An attorney for Frankie’s said that the current situation creates both ‘forward confusion’ and ‘reverse confusion’.
Notably, a forward confusion is when consumers familiar with Frankie’s think the two are related or identical, while reverse confusion occurs when a large newcomer like Franki, backed by Francesca’s, creates the first impression with potential Frankie’s customers.
And considering they are identical in sound and look, this could be dangerous for Frankie’s, reportedly, stated the company.
Founded in 2008, Frankie’s on the Park runs two stores, in Chicago and Santa Monica, California, its e-commerce site, and pop-ups in various cities.