L.L. Bean Files Lawsuit Over a Company’s Use of the Term ‘Boat Tote’

Since 1912, L.L. Bean has been a part of downtown Freeport. Over 100 years later, it's still growing strong with sales worldwide of items and clothing for the outdoors. When you develop iconic products that people love, you want to protect yourself from anyone who might try to sneak one past the goalie.

L.L. Bean Files Federal Lawsuit For Trademark Infringement

According to News Center Maine, a promotional products company called 4Imprint out of Wisconsin. One of those products they are selling is too close to the name L.L. Bean uses for their very popular tote bags that they have been making for decades. Do not mess with L.L. Bean because you will likely lose.

Boat and Tote vs Boat Tote

The above photo is of the Boat and Tote canvas bag from L.L. Bean's website, where you can order just about anything L.L. Bean carries without having to travel to the flagship store or any of their local retail outlets.

L.L. Bean says in their lawsuit that they have used the name "Boat and Tote" for their canvas bags since 1965 and have protected that name by copyright.

Meanwhile, 4Imprint is using the name "Boat Tote" for several products they sell. Boat Tote is just a missing word away from the same name that L. L. Bean uses for their bags.

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In its lawsuit filed at the end of March, L.L. Bean says they contacted 4Imprint in January to ask them to stop using the name Boat Tote, but 4Imprint said no. The lawsuit filed alleges willful infringement, false designation of origin, unfair competition, and trademark dilution under both federal and Maine law.

I'm no lawyer, but this seems like an open-and-shut case. Two companies selling similar products with very similar names. L.L. Bean took the step to trademark Boat and Tote, so I don't think that 4Imprint has a leg to stand on here. What do you think?