Pharrell Williams and Louis Vuitton are facing a lawsuit over their high-end “Pocket Socks.” A California company claims it has been using the same name for over a decade.
The lawsuit, filed by Pocket Socks Inc. in Los Angeles federal court, alleges trademark infringement. The company’s product, a sock with a zippered pocket, has been on the market since 2012. They argue that Louis Vuitton’s product, which debuted at Paris Fashion Week and sells for $530, infringes on their established trademark rights.
Pharrell Williams Trademark Dispute
“Much attention and publicity has been generated for Louis Vuitton’s ‘Pocket Socks,’ including defendants, the press, and consumers using the name ‘Pocket Socks’ for their product which irreparably injures Pocket Socks’ longstanding brand and trademark rights,” the company’s lawyers wrote in the June 20 complaint.
Louis Vuitton announced Pharrell Williams as their men’s creative director in February 2023. His first collection for the company was unveiled at Men’s Fashion Week in Paris. Among the items introduced were the Pocket Socks, knitted socks featuring a pocket adorned with a pearl.
In January, the socks gained attention when Jermaine Dupri wore them during his Super Bowl halftime performance. Though currently unavailable, the socks are listed on Louis Vuitton’s UK website for £420, roughly $530 in U.S. dollars.
Legal Battle
Pocket Socks Inc. claims that Louis Vuitton’s product undermines their brand. “This massive luxury brand and their designer Pharrell Williams should know better and behave within the law,” said CEO Evan Papel. The lawsuit alleges both trademark and trade dress infringement, stating the similar-looking socks under the same name are “likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake, or to deceive consumers.”
One possible defense for Williams and Louis Vuitton could be arguing that the name Pocket Socks is too descriptive to be trademarked. Under U.S. trademark law, descriptive terms cannot be used as exclusive brand names.
Neither representatives for Williams nor Louis Vuitton immediately responded to requests for comment. As the case proceeds, it will be interesting to see how the court addresses the issues of trademark and trade dress infringement.