Lululemon sues Costco over knockoff athleisure apparel, reflecting rise of fashion "dupes"

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-07-01 16:29:00

Fashion “dupes,” or less expensive versions of high-end clothing, are causing legal battles, with Lululemon suing Costco for selling knockoffs of its athleisure apparel. Social media influencers are driving the trend, directing followers to cheaper alternatives resembling luxury items like Hermès slippers and Bottega Veneta bags.

Retailers have long offered affordable options to pricey brands, with dupes sparking awareness of original items. The rise of dupe culture in fashion reflects a desire for luxury at lower costs. Walmart’s “wirkin” bag resembling a Hermès Birkin bag for $78 caused a stir, showing the appeal of look-alike products.

Legal disputes over dupes can arise, with trademark infringement and consumer confusion at the center. Benefit lost a lawsuit to E.l.f. over similar mascaras, highlighting the complexity of dupe legality. Lululemon’s lawsuit against Costco accuses the retailer of trading on its reputation with cheaper versions of popular products.

The legality of dupes is complex, involving copyright and trademark issues. Lululemon’s claims against Costco may face challenges, but the lawsuit raises questions about consumer confusion. The trend of dupes in fashion and retail continues to grow, prompting companies to protect their intellectual property rights.

Lululemon’s battle against Costco over alleged duplicates is just one example of the ongoing dispute over knockoff products. While the outcome of these legal battles remains uncertain, the issue of dupes and intellectual property rights in the retail industry is a topic of ongoing debate.



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