Navajo suit against Urban Outfitters moves forward

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – A federal judge has ruled that the Navajo Nation can move forward with its claims against Urban Outfitters but tossed out a couple of the tribe’s legal theories.

The tribe sued the clothing retailer last year, alleging it violated trademarks on the Navajo name. The tribe is seeking monetary compensation and an order permanently enjoining Urban Outfitters from using the name “Navajo” or variations of it.

U.S. District Judge C. LeRoy Hansen in New Mexico recently rejected a request by Urban Outfitters to dismiss most of the tribe’s claims. He has reserved ruling on one, pending additional briefing.

Hansen says the Navajo Nation cannot argue that variations on the spelling of Navajo or that the defendants’ use of the Navajo name on products like a flask is scandalous.