Sterling Jewelers filed suit in federal court against two companies which it says have infringed on the copyrighted designs of its popular Open Hearts by Jane Seymour  jewelry line, which is the protected work of the actress and artist, the company says.

Sterling Jewelers filed separate actions against ULTRA Stores, currently in Chapter 11, and Gold Star Jewelry. The actions allege the two companies copied, reproduced, distributed and sold unauthorized copies of Sterling’s product.

Sterling filed the complaint against GoldStar in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The action against ULTRA was filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

The complaints ask that ULTRA and GoldStar stop copying, reproducing and distributing the copyrighted designs and provide damages to Sterling.

JCK interviewed Jane Seymour and told the story behind her “Open Hearts” line in its June issue.

JCK