Maker of Doc Martens Brand Sues J.C. Penney

J.C. Penney Co., the second-largest U.S. department store company, was accused by R. Griggs Group Ltd., which makes the popular Doc Martens brand of footwear, of infringing its trademarks. In a suit filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, Wollaston, England-based Griggs said it is the owner of such trademarks as Dr. Martens, DM and AirWair, and of distinctive yellow stitching and under-sole designs. Griggs contends that Plano, Texas-based Penney, with a line of clothing and footwear sold under the name Original Arizona Jean Co., has deliberately copied Griggs’ DM mark and sole design in its products. Privately held Griggs said in the suit that it has been making shoes since the turn of the century and has sold more than 80 million pairs of its DM footwear since 1960. Officials at Penney, with fiscal 1999 sales of $30.6 billion, would not immediately comment on the suit. Penney’s shares fell 62 cents to close at $45.56 on the NYSE.