Columbia Sportswear said it and its Italian subsidiary, Italys OutDry Technologies S.r.l., filed a complaint with the Commission of the European Union against W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., alleging the company violated EU competition laws by abusing its dominant position in the market for waterproof breathable membranes for footwear and gloves.
Columbia and OutDry Technologies also said they welcomed the recent public news that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has issued a subpoena to W. L. Gore in connection with its own investigation into whether Gore has “engaged in unfair methods of competition by contracts, exclusionary practices, or other conduct related to waterproof or waterproof and breathable membranes or technologies and related products.”
The allegations are without merit, said Michael Ratchford, a spokesman for W.L. Gore & Associates. Gores position in the waterproof/breathability category is the result of providing a continuous stream of innovative product to outdoor enthusiasts, he said in a brief interview with Sports Executive Weeklys sister publication, The B.O.S.S. Report.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with long-term customers. We have confidence in the integrity of business practices and have not been notified of any inquiry by any European authorities.
