News

L.L. Bean Suing 4Imprint for Copying Tote Bag Design

Image from public court document filed by L.L. Bean


Freeport based L.L. Bean is suing promotional products company 4Imprint, claiming 4Imprint is copying its iconic canvas carry-all bags.

L.L Bean contends 4Imprint’s “Boat Tote” line of bags is a copy of its “Boat and Tote” bags, which have been around since the 1960s.

(Image from public court document filed by L.L. Bean)

(Image from public court document filed by L.L. Bean)

The lawsuit filed Monday says 4Imprint sells dozens of different products using “Boat Tote” name in an effort to “deliberately free ride” on L.L.Bean’s well-known brand.

L.L. Bean says it asked 4Imprint to cease infringement on its trademark brand, but 4Imprint continued the practice, showing its conduct to be intentional.

The six count lawsuit claims 4Imprint’s use of the “Boat Tote” name “is likely to cause members of the public to believe, incorrectly, that 4Imprint’s goods originate from, or have been authorized, sponsored, approved or endorsed by L.L.Bean, or that 4Imprint’s goods are otherwise connected to, sponsored by, or affiliated with L.L.Bean in some way.”

The lawsuit asks the court to “orders 4Imprint to destroy all labels, signs, prints, packages, wrappers, receptacles, and advertisements in 4Imprint’s possession” bearing the design similar to L.L. Bean’s “Boat and Tote” brand.

It also asked the court to award L.L.Bean 4Imprint’s profits off its infringement of the “Boat and Tote” brand, and to award damages with interest.

The lawsuit filed in federal in U.S. District Court in Portland asks for a jury trial. It was filed by Jeremy R. Fischer with the Drummond Woodson law firm in  Portland, along with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe of Boston.

4Imprint is base in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Latest Headlines

10 hours ago in Local

Median Price of Homes in Maine Reaches $426,000

The price surged in October.

11 hours ago in Local

Acadia National Park on Pace for Busiest Year Ever

Overnight camping stays are also on a healthy pace, with a nearly 33 increase this year over 2024.

12 hours ago in Local

Charges dropped against woman accused of ramming vehicle of Border Patrol officer stationed in Maine

A woman who was shot by a Border Patrol agent from Maine last month has had charges against her dropped.

12 hours ago in Local

Permit approval clears the way for completion of controversial electricity corridor in Maine

Regulators have given the green light for the completion of a 53-mile electricity corridor running through Maine.

1 day ago in Local

Driver Not Injured After SUV Ends Up in Acton Pond

The York County Sheriff’s Office says they were sent to the scene of a reported vehicle in Horn Pond