A small online magazine dedicated to dogs is engaged in a legal battle with Condé Nast, the publisher of the fashion magazine Vogue. Dogue, an independent publication founded in 2019, alleges that Vogue copied its name and concept for a series of online magazines featuring celebrities and their pets, which were released in August 2024.
Condé Nast, the owner of Vogue, sued Dogue, claiming that the canine magazine’s name and appearance infringe on Vogue’s trademarks. The publisher stated that the publication of dogs in dresses was a blow to its reputation and was intended to confuse customers, suggesting a link between the two magazines that was likely to cause irreparable damage. Condé Nast is seeking unspecified damages and the destruction of all Dogue copies.
However, Oli Port, the owner and creator of Dogue, has filed a counterclaim. She asserts that Condé Nast initiated the confusion by copying her idea after Dogue gained popularity on social media. Port stated that her magazine, which focuses on "dog fashion and dog culture," has its own distinct brand and identity. She expressed that it was "obvious" Vogue had copied her concept of showcasing dogs as the primary focus, rather than humans.
Dogue, which sells a limited print edition of about 100 copies and is run by Port alone, features dogs in fashionable attire. In contrast, Vogue's online "Dogue" editions have featured celebrities such as Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey, and Millie Bobby Brown with their pets.
Port described the lawsuit from a major media company as "intimidating" for an independent creator but stated the importance of standing up for her work. She is seeking legal advice from others who have faced similar challenges, referencing the case of Bruce Haas, owner of Haute Diggity Dog, who successfully defended his company against a lawsuit from Louis Vuitton over dog toys named "Chewy Vuitton."
Lawyers for Dogue contend that Vogue created any confusion by releasing its own "Dogue copycat campaign." They argue that Dogue, being a dog magazine, would not be confused with the Vogue brand, which has no association with dogs.