We would like to have such a chic, signal-red functional jacket ourselves when it gets chilly next autumn: “Drawstrings on the sleeves, hood and hem ensure a perfect fit”, and thanks to Dog-Tex-Pro technology, the outer material is 100% rainproof and windproof be.

In addition, a breathable inner lining that prevents sweating and is "super soft on the skin".

We actually thought that dogs couldn't sweat at all, they could only pant, but so be it.

It is much more important: A Velcro fastener "prevents fur from getting caught when putting it on".

Wow.

Matthew Trautsch

Coordination report Rhein-Main.

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Stupidly, the jacket can no longer be sold.

That's because it sports the logo "The Dog Face", which is quite reminiscent of the outdoor fashion brand "The North Face" not only in name but also in design.

The Frankfurt Higher Regional Court finds it too strong.

A judgment that has now been published and cannot be appealed states that there is no likelihood of confusion.

But the brand "The North Face" is so well known that customers "in spite of the recognizable different meaning of 'Dog' and 'North' would mentally link the characters together".

A law of nature

As self-confessed non-lawyers, we also harbor the suspicion that there might be a mental connection.

After all, it is a law of nature that the appearance of dog and owner converges over the years.

Following this, they also wish masters and mistresses that their French Bulldogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Australian Shepherds and Labradoodles wear clothes that are similar to their own. And what would fit better for walking the dog together than a hoodie or a down jacket from "The Dog Face". “?

The latter looks quite similar to the Nuptse jacket, a classic from The North Face's range. 

The Frankfurt-based Loyalty Clothing International, which is behind the dogssupreme.de website, makes no secret of this: “We took the cult Nuptse design from the 90s and brought it up to date,” says the online shop.

The recommendation: “Match with your doggo!

An absolute all-rounder that shouldn't be missing in any dog's wardrobe.” Instead of feeling flattered by the dog cult, “The North Face” decided to file a lawsuit.

The Frankfurt Regional Court initially dismissed the injunctive relief claims asserted in the summary proceedings, but an appeal to the Higher Regional Court was successful.

The plaintiff could demand that the opposing party not label its animal clothing with “The Dog Face”.

This also applies because there is a certain similarity between outdoor clothing and dog fashion.

In this respect it is sufficient "that the public could believe that the goods in question came from the same or economically associated company".

It is obvious that masters and mistresses assume that "The North Face" has expanded its range to include four-legged fashion in order to "enable dog owners who practice sports to do their outdoor sports in a partner look with the animal".

Almost sounds like a tip to "The North Face" to offer something like this in the near future.