New Balance Sue Golden Goose and Request Profit Handover

In 2020, high-fashion label Golden Goose debuted their vintage ‘Dad-Star’ model, with several colourways having been released since then. The model features 1990s-inspired design elements and monochromatic palettes, which draw similarities to New Balance’s 990 line. As a result, New Balance are suing Golden Goose for infringement on the trade dress of their model and allege that Golden Goose have attempted to ‘foster a perceived association between its products and New Balance in the minds of consumers’.

The lawsuit was filed just earlier this week at the Massachusetts District Court and calls for Golden Goose to not only halt the advertisement and sale of the contentious shoe, but also handover all profits made from selling the Dad-Star shoe – a considerable amount considering the ‘Dad-Star’ range starts at $600. New Balance are backing their claim by first comparing the design elements of the shoes with a diagram highlighting the similarities between the 990 range and the Golden Goose sneaker. They are also alleging that the name ‘Dad-Star’ was a deliberate attempt to connect New Balance’s reputation to the Golden Goose shoe or confuse customers since the NB990 is commonly referred to as the original dad shoe.

We’ll keep you updated on all the developments on the New Balance v. Golden Goose case.