Converse Inc. Position On the Dallas Cowboys Lawsuit Over Use of Five-Pointed Star Logo On Footwear

Business Wire, July 23, 1998

NORTH READING, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 23, 1998--Converse Chairman Glenn N. Rupp issued the following statement today regarding the Dallas Cowboys lawsuit over the use of the five-pointed star logo on footwear.

"The pending litigation between Converse and the Dallas Cowboys pertains to the Cowboys use of a five-pointed star on footwear. Converse owns the usage rights to the prominent five-pointed star on any footwear products. Converse is not attempting to block the Cowboys' use of the star logo on team uniforms, helmets or merchandise other than footwear.

Converse began using its five-pointed star trademark in 1916 when the Company introduced the Chuck Taylor(R) All Star(R), the first basketball shoe ever made, which features a large patch with the large five-pointed star. Since its introduction, over 550 million pairs of the All Star sneakers have been sold worldwide. In each year of our 90-year history the Company has sold millions of pairs of shoes adorned with the star logo.

Converse has a history of aggressively protecting its star trademark on footwear. In December 1996 a jury ruled in favor of Converse and prohibited Starter Corporation from using its star logo on footwear as it would infringe upon the Converse trademark.

As long as Converse makes footwear we will vigorously protect our exclusive rights to the five-pointed star," stated Rupp.

Converse is a leading global designer, manufacturer and marketer of high quality athletic footwear for men, women and children. The Company is also a global licensor of sports apparel, accessories and selected footwear. The Company's products are distributed in over 90 countries to approximately 9,000 customers that include specialty athletic, sporting goods, department and shoe stores.

    CONTACT: Converse Inc.
              Kellie Buckley, 978-664-7522