Trademark Battle: Condé Nast vs. Dogue - The Clash of Fashion Magazines
A lawsuit has been filed by Condé Nast against Dogue, a small Los Angeles-based magazine focused on canine fashion, claiming that its name and logo infringe on Vogue's trademark. The lawsuit alleges that Dogue's branding could mislead readers into thinking there is a connection between the two publications. Condé Nast is seeking damages and the destruction of all copies of Dogue, stating that the publication uses Vogue images without permission and could harm Condé Nast's reputation irreparably.
Dogue's creator and editor in chief, Olga Portnaya, argues that her magazine is a clearly labeled parody that originated from an Instagram project in 2019. The magazine sells approximately 100 copies per issue at a Beverly Hills newsstand and obtained its trademark in 2025 after a three-year review process. Portnaya accuses Condé Nast of engaging in "reverse confusion" and has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover legal expenses. She views the lawsuit as a test of how large media companies can challenge small, independent creators and asserts that no reasonable person would mistake a satirical dog magazine for Vogue.
In the ongoing legal battle between Condé Nast and Dogue, the two parties are at odds over the alleged trademark infringement and potential confusion among readers. While Condé Nast claims that Dogue's branding could harm its reputation and mislead consumers, Dogue's creator maintains that her publication is a parody that is clearly distinct from Vogue. The outcome of this case will likely have implications for how intellectual property rights are enforced in the publishing industry and could set a precedent for future disputes between large media companies and independent creators.