Log In


Reset Password
News Education Local News Nation & World New Mexico

Urban Outfitters seeks time limit in dispute with Navajo Nation

Tribe suing over use of name

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation is seeking what could potentially add up to be millions of dollars from Urban Outfitters Inc. over clothing, jewelry and other merchandise bearing the tribe’s name that the popular retailer has sold since 2008.

The clothing chain will ask a federal judge in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday to limit how far back in time the tribe can go to seek money over the company’s products, which included everything from necklaces, jackets and pants to a flask and underwear with the “Navajo” name.

The tribe’s lawsuit alleging trademark violations has been working its way through the courts for more than three years.

Efforts to settle the case featuring two unlikely foes have failed as the tribe seeks vast sums of money from the company that also owns the Anthropologie and Free People store brands.

Here are a few key things to know about the case:

What the tribe is seeking

The Navajo Nation wants revenue from products sold by Urban Outfitters and its subsidiaries under the “Navajo” name dating back to 2008.

The actual amount isn’t quantified in court documents, but it could end up amounting to millions of dollars.

On some claims, the tribe wants all the profits generated from the Navajo-themed sales.

For other claims, the tribe wants $1,000 per day per item, or three times the profit that was generated by marketing and retail of the products using the tribe’s name.

Urban Outfitters says the tribe deserves nothing from 2008 to when the lawsuit was filed.

It states the statute of limitations expired and tribal officials “slept on their alleged rights.”

What is basis of the lawsuit?

The tribe’s 2012 lawsuit alleges violations of federal and state trademark laws, including the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, which makes it illegal to sell arts or crafts in a way to falsely suggest they’re made by American Indians.

Urban Outfitters says “Navajo” is a generic term for a style or design.

The company wants a judge to determine it hasn’t infringed upon the tribe’s rights and to cancel the tribe’s federal trademark registrations.

What merchandise is in question?

The geometric prints popular in clothing often are inspired by Native American designs. Urban Outfitters said it started using the “Navajo” or “Navaho” name on its products and in marketing as early as July 2001, when the fashion trend was in full swing.

Its subsidiaries followed suit, with the companies selling cuffs, necklaces, jackets, pants, a flask and panties, among other merchandise.

The companies said they quit selling the products after hearing of the tribe’s lawsuit.

The Navajo Nation holds trademarks on the “Navajo” name for things like clothing, footwear and online retail sales.



Reader Comments