Ralph Lauren Corp. Must Arbitrate Trademark Dispute with U.S. Polo Association, N.Y. Federal Judge Rules

NEW YORK — A New York federal judge has compelled Ralph Lauren Corp. to arbitrate a trademark dispute, finding the defendants did not waive their right to arbitrate by filing suit in India because RLC was not substantially prejudiced by the filing.

On Sept. 4, Judge Thomas P. Griesa of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York further held that RLC’s claims of fraudulent inducement are for the arbitrators, rather than the court, to decide.

The United States Polo Association Inc. has been the governing body of the sport of polo in the United States since …