in the news: Coach Sues Brown Shoe Co. for Naturalizer Ergo Knock-off

Coach is in the news once again involving a patent infringement, for another brand stealing one of their designs.

Last week Coach Inc. filed the suit against Brown Shoe Co. Inc., accusing the footwear firm of mirroring one of Coach’s handbag designs, the Ergo.

WWD is reports: “In a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan on May 29, Coach accuses the retailer of selling what is “virtually an exact copy” of its Ergo Pleat handbag in the Naturalizer chain of stores. Coach began selling the Ergo Pleat bag in 2007 and patented it in December 2008. Brown Shoe did not return a call seeking comment. Coach is seeking an injunction, profits it would have made and any profits Brown Shoe made off the patent as well as other unspecified damages.”

When I went to the Naturalizer home site I didn’t see the bag they were referring to in the lawsuit, however I did spot a couple styles that looked incredibly familiar to other designers. (to name a few – ysl, f+c, and more)