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Elon Today
By the People, for the People
Elon University Sues Sportswear Company Over Trademark Infringement
The university alleges the Washington-based online apparel seller is willfully using its century-old trademarks without permission.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Elon University has filed a lawsuit in a North Carolina federal court against a Washington-based online apparel seller, alleging the company is willfully infringing on the university's trademarks, some of which are over a century old. The university claims the unauthorized use of its trademarks is damaging its reputation for high-quality apparel.
Why it matters
Trademark infringement can pose a significant threat to a university's brand and reputation, especially when the alleged infringer is using the marks to sell apparel. Elon University is taking legal action to protect its longstanding trademarks and prevent consumer confusion in the marketplace.
The details
According to the lawsuit, the Washington-based online apparel seller has been using Elon University's trademarks, some of which date back over 100 years, without permission to sell its own clothing and merchandise. The university alleges this unauthorized use is willfully infringing on its intellectual property rights and damaging its reputation for high-quality apparel.
- Elon University filed the lawsuit in a North Carolina federal court on February 12, 2026.
The players
Elon University
A private university located in Elon, North Carolina, that has trademarks dating back over a century.
Washington-based online apparel seller
The company accused of willfully infringing on Elon University's trademarks by using them to sell its own clothing and merchandise without permission.
What’s next
The judge in the case will determine whether to grant Elon University's request for an injunction to stop the alleged trademark infringement.
The takeaway
This lawsuit highlights the importance for universities to vigilantly protect their longstanding trademarks and brands, especially as online commerce continues to grow. Elon University is taking legal action to defend its intellectual property rights and prevent consumer confusion in the marketplace.
