JustFab, the El Segundo subscription e-commerce site, has filed a trademark infringement
JustFab, the El Segundo subscription e-commerce site, has filed a trademark infringement suit against New York online retailer Fab.com.
The suit contends that Fab.com, founded in 2011, has been encroaching on JustFab’s territory as an e-commerce site with a similar sounding name.
JustFab is an online subscription service that for $39.99 a month sends members a pair of shoes or jeans. The company creates all the apparel and counts Kimora Lee Simmons as its celebrity designer and creative director.
Fab.com began its life as Fabulis, a gay networking site, then pivoted to flash sales. Earlier this year, Fab.com dropped the flash sales in favor of a more traditional e-commerce site where it features clothing, home goods, and accessories that are designed in house as well as by third party designers.
The two have been on a collision course for some time. JustFab in particular has been protective of its brand, having acquired a pair of apparel companies with the “fab” titles: “Fab Kids” in January and “Fab Shoes” in May.
In a statement, JustFab said it wasn’t trolling for a suit, but Fab.com’s encroachment onto JustFab’s business and name had finally crossed a line.
According to the filing, JustFab will soon be opening up a brick-and-mortar store in Glendale. The lawsuit notes that there have been rumors Fab.com will be opening a retail store as well.
JustFab and Fab.com have become two of the largest players in the online retail space. Fab.com raised $150 million in June at a $1 billion valuation, bringing its total funding to $310 million. Meanwhile, JustFab has taken nearly $110 million in venture funding.
JustFab is requesting that Fab.com refrain from selling products that compete directly with its own line of shoes, clothes and accessories. It is also seeking damages for loss of business.
Fab.com told blog TechCrunch that it will fight the lawsuit.