Converse alleges its design is protectable trade dress, specifically its middle design and outsole design. The midsole design has a bumper and a toe cap plus an upper and/or lower strip. The outsole design is a distinctive diamond pattern.
Converse’s lawsuits name several Chinese companies but also elite brands like Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, FILA and Sketchers. It also targets Big Box retailers K-Mark and Walmart.
This case is an example of how fashion companies can use trade dress to protect their iconic designs from being imitated.