Thomas Pink to take on Victoria’s Secret

British shirtmaker Thomas Pink has filed an infringement

case against American lingerie giant Victoria's Secret over the name of its younger secondary line, Pink.

The London-based luxury shirt brand, which is owned by LVMH, has filed an infringement action with the Patents County Court in the UK accusing the British arm of the underwear brand of confusing customers by selling products under the ‘Pink’ label.

Victoria’s Secret, which debut in the UK with stand-alone stores in London last year, responded by seeking reassurance from US courts after filing a declaratory judgement order, to clarify "the rights of the parties, allowing them to continue the peaceful coexistence that has been in place for many years," reports Drapers, adding that "the UK action places Victoria's Secret at imminent risk of a suit on the same grounds in the US."

Thomas Pink, which has been using ‘Pink’ as their trademark since 1984, said in a statement: "Thomas Pink is determined to protect the considerable investment that has been made into building the world's luxury leading shirt brand. No further comment will be made beyond this statement as this is now a legal matter."

Victoria’s Secret has been using the trademark Victoria’s Secret Pink since 2001, and even calls its online community the ‘Pink Nation’. The underwear giant has not responded for comment.