Leicester-based Next is facing a lawsuit from Harley-Davidson over its children’s T-shirt design

Leicestershire retail giant Next is facing a lawsuit from renowned motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson over allegations that one of its t-shirts reproduces their logo.

Harley-Davidson claims that the biker angel wings and flame symbols on the Next T-shirt, accompanied by the slogan “Rise and Roar”, infringe on their trademark.

The Black Fearless Stud Graphic Long Sleeve T-Shirt is aimed at children aged 3-16 years. It can be purchased online from the Next website.

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As reported by The Financial Times, Harley-Davidson claims that the Next T-shirt “essentially replicates” the outline of their logo and the “graphics and text … is commonly seen in the context of a motorcycle-based brand and not only . particularly the plaintiffs’ branding’.

Harley-Davidson also stated that “the black, flame and fender motifs are often used in conjunction with (Harley’s) branding and trademarks” and that the design used by the fashion retailer would “call (Harley images) to mind for many members of the public”.

The motorcycle manufacturer is seeking a court order for the retailer to destroy “all infringing material.”

Dr Beatriz San Martin, partner at Arnold & Porter, commented: “In the vast majority of cases, this type of trademark dispute, which is very common between brand owners and retailers, is resolved without the need to go to court.

“Given that Next is free to change the logos used in its clothing range and that the t-shirt complained about by Harley-Davidson is unlikely to have resulted in significant sales, I am surprised that this claim was made and that the parties could not reach an agreement out of court”.

Next told LeicestershireLive they were “aware of the claim” but declined to comment.