Converse alleges its design is protectable trade dress, specifically its middle design and outsole design.  The midsole design has a bumper and a toe cap plus an upper and/or lower strip.  The outsole design is a distinctive diamond pattern.

Converse’s lawsuits name several Chinese companies but also elite brands like Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, FILA and Sketchers.  It also targets Big Box retailers K-Mark and Walmart.

This case is an example of how fashion companies can use trade dress to protect their iconic designs from being imitated.