IP Law Daily, TRADEMARK NEWS: Tribal Streetwear sues Ross Stores for unauthorized use of its T-Star Mark, (Jan 16, 2026)

By Carolin Dennis, B.Sc., LL.B., LL.M.

The complaint alleges that that Ross’s intentional unauthorized use of Tibal’s T-Star logo constitutes trademark and copyright infringement will continue to cause irreparable damage to Tribal Streetwear and its reputation.

Tribal Streetwear, Inc. (Tribal Streetwear) has filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court in San Diego against Ross Stores, Inc. (Ross) alleging copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and unfair competition for the unauthorized use of the T-Star logo mark owned by Tribal Streetwear. Tribal Streetwear seeks preliminary and permanent injunctive relief as well as appropriate compensatory remedies and costs necessitated by the Ross’s infringing conduct (Tribal Streetwear, Inc. v.Ross Stores, Inc., No. 3:26-cv-00198-AGS-DEB (S.D. Cal filed on Jan.13, 2026)).

Tribal Streetwear is an original streetwear clothing brand founded by Bobby Ruiz and Joey Ruiz in 1989. In or about 1996, Bobby Ruiz and Bill McMullen created a new and original logo that is commonly referred to as the “T-Star.” Using a stylized “T” for “Tribal,” Mr. Ruiz and Mr. McMullen created a design in the shape of a pentagon with a five-pointed star shape formed by the negative space in the center of the pentagon (T-Star Mark). The T-star design is protected by U.S. Copyright Registration No. VA0001170067, dated May 30, 2003, entitled “T-STAR” registered by assignment by Tribal Streetwear, Inc. The T-star Mark is also protected by United States Patent and Trademark registration number 7145678 for the T STAR LOGO by registrant Tribal Streetwear, Inc.

According to the complaint, the T-Star Mark was introduced in the 1996 Spring/Summer Tribal Streetwear Catalog, appearing both in the print catalog itself and on clothing. Tribal Streetwear has used the T-Star mark in its marketing and across its entire line of clothing and accessories continuously since its introduction in 1996. Over the last 29 years Tribal Streetwear has used dozens of variations of the basic T-Star mark, including variations in color, blurring lines, overlaying detail, adding pattern to the “T” features, and adding imagery in the star. The association of the T-Star Mark with Tribal Streetwear is exceptionally deep and strong, reflecting the brand’s unique worldwide cultural significance.

Ross is a discount clothing and accessory retailer with more than 1,800 retail stores in the United States and offers name brand apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashions at prices of 20% to 60% off department store and specialty store regular prices every day. The complaint noted that Ross has sold and distributed clothing in interstate commerce throughout the United States featuring a copy of a custom Tribal Streetwear design that features the T-Star Mark. Further, Ross’s products are marketed and distributed through many of the same media, channels, and outlets as Tribal Streetwear’s products.

Tribal Streetwear contended that Ross’s use of the T-Star Mark was intended to use Tribal Streetwear’s unique credibility as a true street culture brand to convince consumers to purchase its products and that Ross intended to derive benefit from the reputation of the T-Star Mark.

Tribal Streetwear argued that Ross has acted in bad faith or willfully in using design elements confusingly similar to the T-Star Mark. Further, Ross’s intentional use of the T-Star Mark is likely to cause confusion about the source of its products and is likely to cause consumers to believe its products are actually Tribal Streetwear products or products licensed by Tribal Streetwear. Tribal Streetwear also claimed that a significant number of consumers have been actually confused by Ross’s use of the T-Star Mark.

Tribal Streetwear also contended that Ross has received direct financial benefits from its use of the G-Star logo. Further, Ross’s infringement is knowing and willful, undertaken with full knowledge of the likelihood of confusion and with the intent to deceive consumers in order to trade off the efforts and earned goodwill and reputation of Tribal Streetwear. Additionally, Ross’s infringing use of the T-Star Mark has and will continue to cause irreparable damage to Tribal Streetwear and its reputation.

Claims, remedies sought. Tribal Streetwear is seeking a jury trial and advances four counts against Ross: (1) copyright infringement, (2) trademark infringement, (3) federal trademark infringement in violation of 15 U.S.C. §1114, and (4) unfair competition. Among other relief, Tribal Streetwear asks the district court for preliminary and permanent injunctive relief. Tribal Streetwear also seeks a declaration that Ross has willfully infringed its copyright and trademark, violated the provisions of 15 U.S.C. §1125(a) by willfully infringing its rights in the T-Star Mark and by unfairly competing against Tribal Streetwear, and violated California Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200 et seq. by committing trademark and/or trade dress infringement and/or unfairly competing with Tribal Streetwear. Tribal Streetwear also asks the district court to direct Ross to withdraw from distribution all infringing products, whether in the possession of defendants or its distributors or retailer, and that all infringing products or materials be impounded or destroyed. Additionally, Tribal Streetwear seeks Ross’s profits obtained as a result of Ross’s infringing conduct, damages, interest, costs, and attorney fees.

The Case is No. 3:26-cv-00198-AGS-DEB.

Attorneys: Jonathan Hangartner (X-Patents, APC) for Tribal Streetwear, Inc.

Companies: Tribal Streetwear, Inc.; Ross Stores, Inc.

News: Copyright Trademark CaliforniaNews