Asos settles trade mark disputes

Asos has reached a global settlement regarding on-going trade mark infringement disputes with Swiss high-performance cycling-wear brand Assos and German menswear retailer Anson's Herrenhaus.

The online fashion retailer has agreed to pay a total of 20.2 million pounds to Assos and Anson’s in “a full, final and global settlement of all outstanding litigation”, which it states will “a comprehensive co-existence for all parties”.

Asos chief executive Nick Beighton said: "We are pleased to have put this litigation behind us. Entering into this settlement at this juncture is the right commercial decision for our business.”

The disputes have resulted in several cases being heard in court, as well as multiple trade mark registry actions around the world.

In 2015, the Court of Appeal did find in favour of Asos, stating that its name and logo does not infringe on the trademark of the Swiss cycling brand. However, the ruling was close, the Court of Appeal ruled in Asos’ favour by two judges to one, stating that the e-tailer had been using its company name in an “honest way” for many years without any confusion to the Assos brand.

Image: Asos website