(Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A) – On Sunday, June 29th, hundreds of passionate voices could be heard on the streets of Chicago. This was the 12th demonstration in a series of global protests led by Sufi students who gathered to raise awareness about fashion designer, Roberto Cavalli’s massive trademark infringement of a sacred Sufi emblem. The trademarked Sufi symbol belongs to M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi, School of Islamic Sufism and is associated with 1400 years of heritage of the School, has been documented for 150 years, and is trademarked in the U.S. for 27 years. The trademarked Islamic Sufi symbol spells out ‘Allah’ which literally translates to God. It also spells the word ‘Ali’ which is the name of the first disciple of Islam and also spells out the words ‘Alif Lam Mim’ which are verses from Surah Al-Baqara of the Holy Qur’an. Among the many sacred meanings of the symbol, it denotes the Arabic word for heart, which is a reminder that self-cognition is through the heart. This echoes the wise words of the School’s founder, Hazrat Oveys Gharani, who said 1400 years ago, “Turn towards thy heart.”
In 2011, Roberto Cavalli slightly tweaked the trademarked Sufi symbol and used it as his Just Cavalli logo, thus breaching trademark laws. Furthermore, Roberto Cavalli has redefined it as a symbol of lust, and seduction. The Just Cavalli logo has caused mass confusion among the public. Cavalli’s intention to reinterpret its sacred meaning has resulted in much turmoil to the peaceful group.
The Sufi students chanted and pumped their fists in the air at the historic Water Tower on the Magnificent Mile. Thousands of people stopped to learn more about the cause and sign a petition demanding Roberto Cavalli to cease the use of the trademarked sacred emblem. Some passerbys, upon learning of the transgression, stood with the students and chanted for Cavalli to “Take Off Just Logo”. One individual could be heard saying “That doesn’t make sense, how can he use it? It’s trademarked!”
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| Date: | June 29th, 2014 |
| Time: | 4 to 7 PM (UTC-06:00) |
| Location: | 806 N Michigan Ave |