Pony Inc., a sporting apparel and goods manufacturer, is suing competitor Nike Inc. over Nike’s “V is for Victory” marketing campaign.
The lawsuit, filed on Friday in a federal district court in San Diego, alleges trademark infringement, trademark dilution and unfair competition.
San Diego-based Pony said in court papers it has “owned the rights to its chevron marks for over 35 years.” It further said Beaverton, Ore.-based Nike’s “V is for Victory” campaign uses a chevron mark that Pony alleges is “identical or virtually identical” to those owned and registered by Pony.
Pony is seeking a permanent injunction barring Nike from trademark infringement, dilution and unfair competition, monetary damages and attorneys’ fees.
“We believe the case is without merit,” a Nike spokesman said. “We will defend ourselves vigorously.”
The campaign features the letter V in a variety of ways, including its title in type and in hand signals using the index and middle fingers.