Hailey Bieber Sued For Trademark Infringement

The bone of contention here is the business name “RHODE.” Rhode is a clothing line owned by Purna Khatau and Phoebe Vickers. The clothing line has been in existence since 2013, and it has marked its 9 years of existence. On Instagram, the business is described as “a lifestyle brand that brings a global sensibility and joyful vibrance” to buyers’ wardrobes and homes.

Recently, Hailey Bieber launched her new skincare line with the same name “Rhode” and it’s of the assumption that the name came had to do with Hailey’s middle name being Rhode. Hailey took to Instagram last Wednesday to announce the launching of her new skincare line, and explained that it took her team of dermatologists and chemists “spent years” working on their products to ensure that each one “restores, protects and nurtures” skin.

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“WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF RHODE,” she wrote on Instagram. “we are a line of curated skincare essentials made with thoughtful intention. our formulas nourish your skin barrier to instantly give you dewy, delicious skin while improving its look and feel over time.”

However, just a week after its launch, Hailey has found herself caught up in a legal battle with two cofounders of the nine-year-old fashion brand Rhode. Hailey Bieber is being sued for trademark infringement over the release of her new skincare line, Rhode, by owners of a clothing line with the same name.

Hailey Bieber — About The Lawsuit

According to court documents obtained by People, Khatau and Vickers filed the suit against Hailey on Tuesday this week, stating that they launched their company in May 2013 and have since “dedicated” themselves to “growing and nurturing the RHODE brand through much personal sacrifice and hardship.”

The lawsuit goes on to state that Rhode now boasts an impressive reputation, with items worn by the likes of Beyoncé and Rihanna. The company expects to make $14.5 million this year alone. Khatau also noted that she and Vickers own the Rhode trademark for “several common clothing items and accessories,” and have filed requests to expand to other areas, such as makeup and skincare.

Furthermore, the lawsuit claims that Khatau and Vickers were “initially promised” the @rhode Instagram handle by the platform. “But after initially promising it to us, Instagram decided to allow Ms. Bieber to use it even though it had no posts until June 8, 2022,” they allege.

Hailey Bieber – Asked To Buy Off The Clothing Line Four Years Ago

On Tuesday, Khatau and Vickers released an Instagram statement addressing the issue.

“Nine years ago, we quit our jobs and founded Rhode out of our apartment, creating a fashion company from nothing,” they wrote. “We’re two women entrepreneurs who met in college, built the RHODE brand and put years of hard work into our minority co-owned company. Today, we were forced to file a lawsuit against Hailey Bieber and her new skin-care line that launched last week and that is using the brand ‘Rhode.’ We didn’t want to file this lawsuit, but we had to in order to protect our business,” they continued.

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“We admire Hailey,” they added. “She has worked hard and earned the ability to create her own skin-care line. We don’t want to sue Hailey; we want to celebrate her. As fellow women entrepreneurs, we wish her every success.”

Khatau and Vickers alleged that Hailey asked them to buy the brand “Rhode” four years ago, but they denied her of it.

“Hailey could choose any brand for her skin-care line,” they wrote. “We have only the brand name ‘RHODE’ that we’ve built. That’s why we didn’t sell her our brand when she asked four years ago, and why we ask her now to change her skin-care line’s brand.”

“Her using our brand is hurting our company, our employees, our customers, and our partners,” they continued. “We’re confident in the lawsuit’s outcome, but we hope Hailey will now understand the harm we’re sure she never meant to cause and change her skin-care line’s brand,” they concluded.

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