Levi’s has filed 2 new lawsuits this year to protect its red tab trademark

As Levi’s grows into a direct-to-consumer denim powerhouse, it is continuing to use the federal court system to protect its design legacy. 

Levi Strauss & Co. filed two new trademark lawsuits this year, one against Brazilian brand Farm Rio and another against Australian brand S/Double, for allegedly infringing on its nearly 90-year-old tab trademark, which protects the red label that says “Levi’s” sewn onto the back pocket of its jeans, as well as other variations.

The lawsuits accuse the brands of using similar design elements that risk customer confusion and can cause harm to the Levi’s brand. The suits seek to stop the brands from using elements that look like the Levi’s tab, and also ask the defendants to turn over the allegedly infringing products and associated materials.

Then on Wednesday, Levi’s filed its quarterly earnings report, which shows a “Legal Settlement Gain” of $33 million during the first six months of 2026 ending May 31. While it’s unclear which company or companies this may come from, a footnote says “during the six months ended May 31, 2026, the company recognized a gain related to a trademark infringement legal settlement.”

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