Levi's says Abercrombie pickpocketed design

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Denim maker Levi's Strauss & Co. has filed a second lawsuit against another competitor this month alleging that the retailer - Abercrombie & Fitch - illegally stole its trademarked back-pocket stitching design, according to a published report Thursday.

Industry trade publication Women's Wear Daily on Tuesday reported on its Web site that Levi's filed the same lawsuit against Polo Ralph Lauren (Charts).

In its latest suit filed in U.S. federal court in San Francisco, Levi's, citing trademark infringement, accused teen clothing chain Abercrombie (Charts) of using the trademarked pocket design of connecting arches on Abercrombie's "Ruehl" brand jeans and other unspecified products, the WWD report said.

Levi's cited the likelihood of "consumer confusion, mistake or deception" over the identity of the Ruehl stitching, the story said.

The report said Levi's is seeking unspecified losses in profits and other damages and that the company wants Abercrombie to turn over inventory and all materials used in the design or associated with promoting the Ruehl jeans.

Levi's lawsuit could prove to be a worrisome distraction for Abercrombie, coming at a time when most retailers are preparing for the important back-to-school shopping season.

WWD. com said Abercrombie officials could not immediately be reached for comment.