Kathrine Frich
Lululemon is seeking monetary damages and wants Costco to immediately halt production and sale.
Lululemon is seeking monetary damages and wants Costco to immediately halt production and sale.
Lululemon Takes Legal Aim at Costco
Lululemon has filed a lawsuit in a California federal court accusing Costco of selling copycat apparel under its private-label brands.
The athleisure giant claims these “dupes” are nearly indistinguishable from their own high-end products.
The Accusation: Copy, Confuse, Compete
The lawsuit alleges Costco’s products “trade upon” Lululemon’s brand, reputation, and innovation by selling low-cost versions that look like the real deal, without the branding or the price tag.
Price Tags That Raise Eyebrows
According to the lawsuit, Costco is selling knockoff jackets for around $20, while the originals from Lululemon retail for over $100.
Lululemon argues that this pricing strategy adds to the confusion at both point-of-sale and post-sale.
Social Media Fuels the Fire
The term “Lululemon dupes” has taken off online, with influencers showcasing Costco’s lookalikes.
Lululemon says the hashtag creates a false impression that these knockoffs are either endorsed by or equivalent to their authentic products.
Design Infringement or Fashion Flattery?
Among the products Lululemon cites are items like the “Kirkland 5 Pocket Performance Pant” and the “Hi-Tec Men’s Scuba Full Zip.”
These, the lawsuit claims, are strikingly similar to Lululemon’s signature designs.
What’s at Stake?
Lululemon is seeking monetary damages (the amount has not been disclosed) and wants Costco to immediately halt production and sales of the alleged dupes.
Lululemon emphasized that it has spent years investing in innovation and design, referring to their hoodies and pants as “pioneering products.”
The company said it takes intellectual property seriously and won’t shy away from legal action.
