PARIS — French contemporary label Zadig & Voltaire is taking Gap Inc. and Gap France to court, alleging the fashion giant knocked off its best-selling T-shirt.
The label, a stylish staple for Parisians, filed a claim against Gap early this year with a French commercial court for counterfeiting and unfair competition. “We believe that the T-shirt has been copied. It bears a strong resemblance and many of its features are similar,” said Isabelle Wekstein, Zadig’s attorney.
Dubbed the Tunisien, the style was launched in 2002 and boasts a curving neckline with five decorative buttons. Zadig sells around 70,000 pieces a year for 79 euros, or $109.65 at current exchange, at retail. Gap’s T-shirt sells for 29 euros, or $40.25.
Zadig is seeking to have the counterfeit recognized in France, the U.K. and the U.S., Wekstein added. The court has set a date of Oct. 25 for Gap to respond to the claim.
A spokeswoman for Gap Europe declined comment Monday.