A federal judge has cleared the way for the Navajo Nation to seek potentially millions of dollars from Urban Outfitters. The tribe sued the clothing chain over the use of the “Navajo” name.
The clothing retailer's lawyers argued the statute of limitations had expired from the time the lawsuit was filed in 2008. But a federal judge in Santa Fe said the Navajo Nation did not unreasonably delay a trademark infringement challenge against the retailer.
At the time Urban Outfitters was using the word “Navajo” to describe clothing, jewelry, even a flask that featured geometric prints inspired by Native American designs. Urban Outfitters said “Navajo” is a generic term for a style.
Efforts to settle the case have failed, as the tribe has said on some claims it wants all profits generated from the Navajo-themed sales at Urban Outfitters and its subsidiaries. On other claims it wants $1,000 per day per item.
