Canadian Retailer Sues Meijer in Federal Court Over Name Dispute

A Canadian clothing retailer known for its casual apparel and leather goods is suing Meijer, accusing the Michigan-based retailer of infringing on its long-established brand name with a new children’s clothing line called “Roots & Threads.”

About Roots Corporation

Founded in Toronto in 1973, Roots Corporation operates more than 100 stores in Canada and the United States, selling clothing, leather goods, footwear, and accessories. The brand is widely recognized for its beaver logo and outdoors-inspired style.

Roots claims Meijer’s “Roots & Threads” label, marketed as a children’s clothing brand, is likely to confuse shoppers into thinking the products are connected to the Canadian retailer.

Meijer, based in Grand Rapids, operates more than 500 supercenters and grocery stores across the Midwest, including more than 120 in Michigan. Many of its locations carry private-label clothing alongside national brands.

Legal Proceedings and USPTO Action

According to Bloomberg Law, Roots claims Meijer’s actions create confusion between the brands and constitute federal trademark infringement.

Meijer’s 2024 attempt to trademark the name was met with a “non-final” refusal from a United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) examining attorney.

Roots is asking the court to prohibit Meijer from further use of the Roots & Threads name, saying the goodwill attached to its company name could be damaged when customers realize that Roots & Threads items are not the same high-quality children’s clothing sold by Roots.