Peloton Interactive filed a lawsuit in a Manhattan federal court on Nov. 24 against Lululemon Athletica, a former partner with which it subsequently parted amicably. It appears that the American supplier of connected fitness equipment is seeking to head off a likely legal challenge from the Canadian-based sports apparel company, which on Nov. 11 sent it a cease-and-desist letter claiming potential infringement of six design patents by five items in Peloton’s new activewear range. According to Business of Fashion, Lululemon threatened in its letter to sue Peloton for infringement of its trademarks and theft of trade secrets. The allegedly offending items are its Strappy Bra, High Neck Bra, Cadent Peak Bra, Cadent Laser Dot Bra and Cadent Laser Dot Leggings. Peloton argues in the court documents that, “on top of the numerous clear and obvious differences in design, Peloton and Lululemon’s brands and logos are also distinctive and well-recognized, making confusion between products a virtual impossibility.” Peloton is asking the court to declare that it has not infringed on Lululemon’s patents.

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