Adidas initially filed a request to dismiss a recent filing by the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF) to trademark a three-stripe logo on Monday. However, the brand has since retracted its request, as reported by Reuters. The company stated that it will withdraw its opposition to BLMGNF’s trademark application as soon as possible.
Adidas has been using its Three-Stripes mark since 1952 on various products, including apparel, footwear, and accessories. BLMGNF applied for a trademark in November 2020 to add a yellow three-stripe design to their products such as clothing, bags, bracelets, mugs, and more. Adidas attempted to prevent BLMGNF from trademarking the logo, claiming that it would cause confusion with its iconic branding.
A source at Adidas reportedly revealed that the company withdrew its filing due to concerns that its objection could be misinterpreted as criticism of Black Lives Matter’s mission. BLMGNF was founded by three female activists in 2013, with the aim of eradicating white supremacy and building local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities.
At present, Adidas has not commented on its decision to withdraw its application on BLMGNF’s trademark filing publicly. The company did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
