After three years battling in court, Urban Outfitters has finally settled a trademark-infringement lawsuit with the Navajo Nation for an undisclosed amount.
Associated Press reports via Farmington Daily Times that “terms of the settlement signed Monday by a federal judge are confidential. However, the tribe said it and Urban Outfitters plan to collaborate on American Indian jewelry.”
Navajo Nation sued Urban Outfitters in 2012 for infringing on its name by selling items (socks, panties, flasks) branded as “Navajo,” thus violating the Indian Arts & Craft Act of 1990. In court filings, Navajo claimed that Urban’s Navajo collection hurt the sales of authentic Navajo products. The retailer meanwhile argued for the treatment of “Navajo” as a generic term a la “light beer.”
In a press release, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye stressed the importance of “protecting our nation, our artisans, designs, prayers and way of life.” On behalf of Urban Outfitters, the retailer’s general counsel Azeez Hayne stated: “As a company, Urban Outfitters has long been inspired by the style of Navajo and other American Indian artists and looks forward to the opportunity to work with them on future collaborations.”
