Detroit designer accuses Toronto brand of plagiarism

Thanks to Toronto Blue Jays Jose Bautista, David Price, Josh Donaldson and Kevin Pillar, Peace Collective's Toronto Vs. Everybody apparel has soared in popularity.

However, Detroit-based designer and business owner Tommey Walker Jr is alleging that the Toronto company is infringing on his original, trademarked Detroit Vs. Everybody slogan, reports Deadline Detroit today.

"They're aware it's our trademark," Walked told the Detroit-based news site. "I did not allow them to use the brand. I disrespect these guys totally." Last month, Walker sent the Toronto-based clothing brand a cease-and-desist letter. He started his company back in 2012. Peace Collective began selling its Toronto Vs Everybody shirts in 2014.

The case seems a little murky though. As Deadline reports, Walker thinks he has an international trademark on the slogan.

However, Deadline notes that according to Peace Collective's solicitor Maureen McKay, Yanal Dailieh (Peace Collective's founder) owns the Canadian trademark for Toronto Vs. Everybody. She claims since Peace Collective doesn't do business in the United States, it isn't infringing on Walker's trademark, which she says applies only in the States.

Regardless, Walker is isn't happy with Toronto's Peace Collective. Now, it surely won't be long until someone busts out a Toronto Vs. Detroit shirt.

We've reached out to Peace Collective for comment and will update this post if we hear back.

Update: Peace Collective has since responded. Here's a statement from Yanal Dailieh.

We own the trademark for Toronto Vs Everybody in Canada and have the exclusive rights to it. It is a trademark approved by the Canadian government and we only sell that design within Canada. We received Tommey Walkers cease and desist a month ago and responded within 24 hours with our trademark and we never heard anything back. This is only one of designs and we've shifted our focus to a more nationwide promoting Canadian pride. We've been able to contribute countless school meals to Breakfast for Learning with the efforts of our brand.