Outerwear retailer Columbia Sportswear has sued Columbia University over alleged trademark infringement and a breach of contract, saying that the university’s merchandise looks too similar to its own offerings and can confuse shoppers.

In a lawsuit filed on 23 July in federal court in Oregon, Columbia Sportswear, whose roots date back to 1938, alleges that the Ivy League university in New York City intentionally violated an agreement the parties signed on 13 June 2023. That agreement dictated how the university could use the word “Columbia” on its own apparel and accessories.

As part of the pact, the university could feature “Columbia” on its merchandise provided that the name included a recognizable