Balenciaga has been sued by Little Trees, the company that manufactures the hanging tree air fresheners you’ve no doubt seen hanging from many a car’s rear-view mirror. Balenciaga created a leather keychain version of the tree that’s priced at $275. A single Little Trees paper freshener can be purchased for less than a dollar.
According to TMZ, Little Trees is owned by Car-Freshener Corporation, which bought the rights to the company’s trademark in 1952.While Balenciaga chose to make its own bootleg version, multiple companies including Buffalo Wild Wings, Discover Financial Services, Kia Motors and Capital One have licensed use of the tree silhouette.
Little Trees is arguing in its suit that customers will confuse the two brands and wants Balenciaga to hand over the profits from the sales of its leather version. Balenciaga hasn’t responded publicly to the suit.
