Crocodile International

Crocodile International Pte Ltd. or simply Crocodile is a garments company based in Singapore.

Crocodile International Pte Ltd.
Company typePrivate limited
IndustryFashion
Founded1947; 77 years ago (1947) in the Colony of Singapore
FounderTan Hian Tsin
Headquarters3 Ubi Avenue 3,
Area served
Worldwide
Websitewww.crocodileinternational.com

History

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Crocodile International was founded in 1947 in British Singapore by Tan Hian Tsin.[1] Tan is an immigrant from Swatow, China whose family has been involved in the garment trade including the manufacturing of knitting machines.[2]

Crocodile would open its first factory in British Hong Kong in 1953. By 2016, the fashion brand has 3,000 outlets in 14 countries.[3]

Brand image

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The crocodile has been chosen to represent Crocodile International's branding for being a "very tough animal" with a long lifespan. This is connected to Tan's vision for the "long life of the company". The logo of Crocodile International features the reptile facing left.[2] The logo was made in 1947 by Tan and is accompanied by his own handwriting.[4]

Dispute with Lacoste

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Crocodile logo with the animal mark. The usage of this logo along with the crocodile by itself on merchandise has been subject to legal dispute with Lacoste in certain markets.

The brand has faced various intellectual property rights dispute with French fashion brand Lacoste, which features a right facing crocodile, over similarities of their logo.[2] Legal cases has been filed in China,[4] Myanmar, Japan, and the Philippines.[5][6]

Crocodile International and Lacoste has an existing agreement dated 1983 to have their brands coexist in certain markets.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Crocodile sponsors Golf". The Sunday Times. Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Yin, Chai Hung (10 August 2014). "Made in S'pore...and proud of it". The New Paper. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  3. ^ Kim, Jae-heun (4 September 2016). "Crocodile launches 2016 F/W collection show in Seoul". The Korea Times. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Crocodile tears or smiles?". China Daily. 8 December 2003. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  5. ^ a b Hufana, Chloe Mari (15 September 2024). "SC sides with Crocodile Int'l in Lacoste lawsuit". BusinessWorld. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  6. ^ Bautista, Jane (16 September 2024). "Lacoste loses 'battle of crocs'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 17 September 2024.