Under Armour has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit accusing an athletic apparel brand called Hotsuit of copying the Baltimore brand’s famous logo.
Denver-based Ageas Inc. has been advertising and selling Hotsuit-branded sports and fitness apparel, footwear and accessories stamped with a logo similar to the Under Armour’s black logo linking an upside down U with an A, the lawsuit says.
“Defendant’s copycat logo has already caused confusion and gives Defendant an unfair boost in the marketplace at the expense of both Under Armour and consumers,” says the lawsuit, filed Oct. 8 in U.S. District Court in Baltimore.
Hotsuit was founded in 1999 by businessman Schroeder Jo, according to the company’s website. Jo’s idea for a fashion-based line of “sauna suits,” jackets and pants using patented technology fabric, was modeled after plastic garments worn by professional boxers to reduce body weight, the website says.
The brand also sells shirts, leggings, sneakers, accessories and other items designed to offer “redefined sports time and improved exercise efficiency,” a company announcement said in July.
