Gwen Stefani is a trend-setter who has been around for a long time. Who can forget the 90s and her trademark style of punk meets chic? Or her chameleon-like transformation as a quirky-glam solo artist? Who would have imagined that she’d become a celebrity for suing the low-cost retailer Forever 21 in a lawsuit trend?
The retailer was unable to escape a trademark lawsuit brought by Stefani in 2007. The style icon claimed that the retailer was marketing, promoting and selling items with a design “virtually identical” to Harajuku’s signature heart/box.
In 2005, the singer launched her Japanese-inspired Harajuku Lovers collection, following the huge success of L.A.M.B., which was the launch of her first fashion line in 2003. Harajaku lovers was launched as an affordable and accessible way for Stefani fans to bring her signature style into their wardrobe.
Gwen Stefani starts trend by suing Forever 21
It’s hard to say, but it’s safe to assume Stefani is feeling pretty good about herself knowing that she’s not alone in her famous legal battles with the retailer. She’s joined by designers, former employees, and manufacturers who have all filed suits since she first sued Forever 21 in 2007. Gwen’s suit was filed in 2007, the same year that designers Diane von furstenberg, and Anna Sui, accused Forever 21 of blatantly copying their designs.
After filed a lawsuit claiming that her original “Chief” prints were infringed, Mara Hoffman reached an out-of-court settlement with Forever 21. Hoffman’s fight didn’t stop there. Hoffman’s battle didn’t end there. She had to sue Forever 21 twice more, once in 2012, and again in 2017. Her designs were stolen yet again. In 2017, the athletic apparel brands , PUMA, and adidas were also involved in lawsuits against Forever 21. , an -owned retailer, filed their own lawsuit against adidas in 2017 after receiving two cease and desist letters for products that they claimed did not violate any laws.