Levi Strauss Files New Suit Over Pocket Tab Trademark

Levi Strauss & Co. filed a trademark infringement complaint on June 5, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against S-Double Corporation and Globe International, the Melbourne-based owner of the S-Double apparel brand.

The complaint alleges that S-Double’s use of tabs on the rear pockets of its clothing copies Levi’s long-standing Tab trademark, which has appeared on its products since 1936. Levi’s claims the copying constitutes trademark infringement, trade dress infringement, unfair competition, false advertising, and dilution under federal and California law.

This marks the second lawsuit between the parties over the same design element. A prior 2010 action ended in settlement with S-Double agreeing to avoid certain tab placements on pants. Levi’s contends the new products breach that understanding and cause consumer confusion.

The filing highlights ongoing enforcement efforts by major apparel brands to protect distinctive product features that function as source identifiers.

Sources: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/levi-strauss-sues-s-double-again-over-iconic-tab-trademark https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jun/09/levis-sues-shawn-stussy-s-double-clothing-brand-globe-over-tabs-on-pockets