JCK Exclusive: Sterling Sues Two More Over Jane Seymour

By Rob Bates, Senior Editor

Posted on February 8, 2010

Sterling Jewelers is suing two New York jewelry companies, Classic Imports and Key Items, alleging they are both engaging in "the unauthorized copying, reproduction, distribution, and sale" of its copyrighted "Open Hearts by Jane Seymour" line.

Sterling's complaint calls the Jane Seymour line "one of the most popular and best-selling jewelry lines in the United States."

Classic Imports and Key Items did not respond to requests for comment.

Sterling Jewelers spokesman David Bouffard told JCK: "Sterling Jewelers Inc. cannot tolerate any attempt by others to ignore the legal and ethical premise of copyrights. Copyrights exist to protect the rights of designers against those who would profit illegally from their work. As part of our commitment to our partnership with Ms. Seymour, we will take all actions necessary to protect the value and integrity of our designs."

In September, Sterling announced a settlement with two other companies it accused of infringing on its "Open Hearts by Jane Seymour" copyrights.

Comments

by MJB - 2010-02-09 11:35

Does "no response" or "no comment" almost scream guilt?

by Rob Bates - 2010-02-09 12:01

MJB... Having done this a while, I definitely would not say that. A lot of these are small companies that are unprepared when a reporter calls. Sometimes they decline comment on the advice of an attorney. Anyway, they are always welcome to email me and explain their side of the story (as are all the companies I write about.)

by MJB - 2010-02-09 12:36

Rob: That makes sense. I think of it like how you get very nervous when pulled over by a policeman even though you KNOW you have done nothing wrong.