Target hits the mark with local businessman

Discount apparel chain to give up name as U.S. retailer comes to Canada

A settlement was recently reached in the long-standing naming rights dispute between local businessman Isaac Benitah’s group of clothing companies and American retail giant Target. It came a year before Target is expected to expand into Canada, with its first stores slated to open in spring of 2013.

Benitah is the man behind Fairweather Ltd., International Clothiers Inc. and Les Ailes De La Mode Inc. The issue dates back nearly a decade when he first acquired the trademark for “Target Apparel” in Canada. What followed was a protracted legal battle that apparently didn’t resolve the issue.

In 2011, with the American retail giant readying to come to Canada, Benitah filed for damages and an injunction to prevent it from using “Target” here. The recently announced settlement will see Benitah cease to use the name by Jan. 31, 2013, according to a press release from Target.

“This agreement will eliminate any potential confusion among Canadian consumers regarding Target Corporation’s branding elements, store experience and merchandise assortments as it opens its first stores in Canada in 2013,” the press release stated.

Article exclusive to STREETS OF TORONTO