Burberry Sues Iconix Over London Fog Plaid

NEW YORK – Iconix Brand Group’s recently purchased London Fog brand, which the Group had hoped to take up-market for direct competition with Burberry, is now under fire for copyright infringement.

According to the Reuters news service, Burberry filed a suit against Iconix in U.S. District Court in New York City on Friday, accusing London Fog of lifting its plaid check pattern. Iconix disagrees.

The Burberry company dates back to 1856 when Thomas Burberry started an outfitters shop in Hampshire, England. An early incarnation of the trench coat called the Tielocken was developed in 1895 by Burberry for use by British officers in the Boer War. That coat was adapted for a commission by the British War Office in 1914, and it was lined with the familiar check pattern in the 1920’s. Burberry claims to have the trademark on the pattern.

London Fog has a long history as well. It was created in the U.S. in 1927. London Fog’s new ad campaign featuring stars like Kevin Bacon wearing trench coats lined with a similar plaid pattern are part of Burberry’s complaint.