Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS Faces Lawsuit as NYC Designer Claims Name Infringement

A legal battle is brewing around ‘Skims’, the company established by Kim Kardashian. A lesser-known designer from New York is alleging that the brand has copied a name she asserts she has owned for years.

As reported by Page Six, designer Denise Cesare has initiated a lawsuit claiming that ‘Skims’ used the name “Fits Everybody” for one of its collections, despite her brand, Fits Everybody To A T, having utilized a very similar name for nearly a decade. The case was filed in a federal court in New York at the end of March.

In her filing, Cesare asserts that ‘Skims’ was aware of her trademark prior to proceeding. The lawsuit states that the company continued its use of the name “after receiving repeated, unequivocal notice” of her rights. Her legal team contends that this decision was not accidental, claiming that ‘Skims’ made a “calculated decision” to leverage its size and influence to overshadow a smaller business.

The complaint further indicates that the situation has negatively impacted Cesare’s brand. It claims her business has become increasingly difficult to locate online due to the similar name, with ‘Skims’ extensive reach overshadowing her identity. Her attorney informed the Daily Mail that this exemplifies a classic case of a larger company encroaching on a smaller one’s branding space. “Trademark law doesn’t care how big you are or how many followers you have,” the attorney stated. “It cares about who was first to use the mark.”

Cesare is now seeking a court order to prevent ‘Skims’ from using the name and to obtain damages, including profits associated with the collection. The lawsuit highlights that ‘Skims’ “Fits Everybody” line has generated hundreds of millions of dollars, raising the stakes even further.

On the other hand, ‘Skims’ has yet to publicly address the allegations. However, the dispute has already encountered some tension with trademark authorities. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office reportedly denied ‘Skims’ attempt to register the name due to a “likelihood of confusion.”

This case could evolve into a significant confrontation between a globally recognized celebrity-backed company and a smaller independent designer. It also highlights how branding disputes can escalate rapidly when financial interests and visibility are at stake.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!