Bangladeshi recycled yarn producer, Simco is engaged in an intellectual property dispute with Swiss apparel and shoe brand ON over confusingly similar names. Based in Bhaluka, Simco manufactures yarn under the brand ‘Cyclo,’ supplying it to apparel manufacturers who export garments with Cyclo hangtags to European and American retailers. Simco registered the ‘Cyclo’ trademark in Singapore in 2014.
The Swiss company, ON, registered its apparel brand as ‘Cyclon’ in Switzerland in 2021 and markets its products under this name. Meanwhile, Simco created ‘Cyclo’ in 2014 as Bangladesh's first certified garment waste recycling facility and brand for its recycled fibers and yarns. The ‘Cyclo’ brand is trademarked and registered in over 20 countries, including Bangladesh, the EU, USA, UK, and Japan.
A major player in the performance sportswear industry with an estimated market capitalization exceeding $20 billion, ON launched a recycling program called ‘Cyclon’ around 2021 and subsequently attempted to limit Simco's use of the ‘Cyclo’ brand in key markets.
The similarities in name and the shared focus on circularity and recycling have forced Simco to defend its ‘Cyclo’ trademark across multiple jurisdictions. Simco claims ON has been unresponsive to attempts at amicable resolution, highlighting the power imbalances faced by smaller companies from developing nations.
Founded in Switzerland in 2010, ON produces premium footwear, apparel, and accessories for running, outdoor activities, training, all-day wear, and tennis.
