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

    By · On June 4, 2009


    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)

    • Currently living is Seattle, Jennifer started BagBliss the bag blog in November 2004 and TheFashionRow in 2007. She has been part of the Fashion editorial space for over 11 years specializing in Designer Handbags.

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    • Rita!

      I’m glad they are sueing. I’m surprised they aren’t spending more effort in tackling the real issue – counterfeiters!

    • g+b

      Can’t wait to hear the ruling.

    • VanessaM

      Who? Why are they wasting their time going after nobody?
      Anyone have a pic?

    • ginafly

      I wonder what the bag looked like. It had to be an exact copy for coach to waste their time like this.

    • pinky

      This is kinda off topic, but I love the Ergo style!

    • toi2

      Wow, they even have the YSL Downtown! hah

    • j.c.a.

      Well this is interesting news. Thanks for posting.

    • ruzzi

      Why are they going after them? What about f21? Are they too big now or something?

    • monac

      Uh why not those who replicate their design? Seems like they the ones who be doin all that damage.

    • cindy*

      This is interesting. I think it’s odd thats all. Why go after Naturalizer? Why not counterfeters?

    • http://highmaintenancewoman.blogspot.com MizzJ

      True! Aren’t the counterfeiters the real ‘evil’ ones whose profits
      we’re told fund terrorists etc? Seems that’s the bigger enemy to fight
      than other legit retailers. I guess it’s harder to get that guy in the
      alley into court than Naturalizer.