A dispute over who can use the Target trademark in Canada is going to Federal Court on May 2.
American discount department chain Target Corp. will seek an injunction to block the Canadian company that owns the Fairweather womenswear chain from using the name Target Apparel in its stores.
Toronto-based INC Group has owned the Canadian rights to the name for 10 years.
The flashy American retailer, which is known for designer fashion collaborations at discount chain prices, has plans to open its first Canadian stores in 2013.
Last year, the U.S. retailer filed a challenge with Canada’s trademark office, claiming the Fairweather owner hasn’t been using the Target name.
INC has been operating a Toronto clothing store under the name “Target Apparel” since 2005 and has ramped up the number of stores in Canada bearing that name in the last few months.
Target’s request for an injunction is part of the company’s response to a $250-million lawsuit filed against the U.S. company, alleging trademark infringement.
The trial of the trademark case is expected to begin next year.
