The North Face vs. The South Butt

Image via Wikipedia

v.

ABA Journal has an article about this interesting dispute here. James Winkelman (whom I believe is 17 years old) started selling hiking apparel under the name "South Butt." His website, http://www.thesouthbutt.com/ includes the following disclaimer:

We are not in any fashion related to nor do we want to be confused with The North Face Apparel Corp. or its products sold under "The North Face" brand. If you are unable to discern the difference between a face and a butt, we encourage you to buy North Face products.

The North Face has sued, under theories of trademark infringement, trademark dilution, false designation of origin, trade dress infringement and unfair competition.

He has also started a Facebook app, he's called "The South Butt Challenge on Facebook." According to his website, the app "allows you [to] see the difference between a face and a butt."

If this case goes anywhere, Winkelman's parody argument will be interesting to watch.

Read the complaint here. (via The Riverfront Times blog, the DailyRFT).