Joseph Abboud to Start a New Label, ‘jaz’

Designer Joseph Abboud plans to start a new menswear line under the name ‘jaz’.

Abboud sold his namesake line ‘Joseph Abboud’ in 2000 for $65 million, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. Under conditions of the sale he can no longer use the trademark ‘Josheph Abboud’. As such he must try to appeal to consumers and retailers while keeping an arms length from his namesake.

The designers decision comes after his non-compete agreement expired last month. He is now free to enter the market under a new name but must make sure he doesn’t infringe on the trademark which he started.

‘Joseph Abboud’ the label excelled in the 1990’s striking a chord amongst professional men who wanted, “a touch of Euro flair but still wanted the fit of American clothing.”

Abboud plans a higher priced range compared to his namesake which is owned by JA Apparel Corp.

Plans are underway to have ‘jaz’ in stores by next July.

What’s in a Name? Not Much, He Hopes [WSJ]