Innovation USA Files Design Patent Action Against Ido Furniture

Innovations U.S.A., Inc. filed an action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York (Case No. 09-cv-1727) against Ido Furniture (U.S.A.) Corp. and Zhuhai Furniture Co., Ltd. alleging that defendants infringe U.S. Design Patent Nos. 583,585 and 490,996. Images from the asserted patents are below.

Raymour & Flanigan Sues Retailer For Use Of Name

On April 22, 2009, northeast U.S. retailer Raymour & Flanigan filed an action against Huffman Koos furniture and related entities and individuals alleging that defendants used the famous Raymour & Flanigan. Raymour alleges that defendants hung large banners, sometimes more than 30' in length, across defendants' several store fronts that bore the Raymour & Flanigan name. Apparently, after several demand letters did result in the banners' removal, Raymour sued. The case number is 1:09-cv-3999. Raymour also filed a motion for a preliminary injunction with its complaint. Defendants have yet to respond.

High Point University Publishes Newsletter Timed For Market

The Department of Furnishings and Design at High Point University has begun publishing a newsletter entitled "The Home Front" that is focused on home furnishings research. The newsletter is slated for release at the beginning of the Spring and Fall High Point Markets each year. The inaugural issue was just released and may be found here. To receive an electronic copy of the newsletter or join HPU's Research Panel you may contact them at thehomefront@highpoint.edu.

Culp Settles One Action And Files Another

Culp, Inc., a mattress and upholstery fabric supplier, announced last week that it has settled its copyright infringement action against SRA in which Culp alleged that SRA infringed Culp's copyrighted Congo fabric by selling a fabric called "Viper." Wasting no time, Culp filed suit on April 16, 2009 against Dorrell Fabrics Co. for violating the same copyright and for also selling "Viper" fabric. (Case No. 1:09-cv-291)

La-Z-Boy Files Suit Against Holland House

La-Z-Boy Greensboro, Inc. brought suit against The H.T. Hackney Co., d/b/a Holland House Furniture on March 30, 2009 in the United States District Court Middle District of North Carolina. In its complaint, La-Z-Boy alleges infringement of U.S. Design Patent Nos. D484,329, D490,626, D504,037, and D505,805 along with trade dress infringement and unfair competition. La-Z-Boy's design patents are based on the designs of fashion designer Jessica McClintock and cover a line of girl's youth furniture. The collection is sold through La-Z-Boy's Lea Industries division as part of the Jessica McClintock Romance Collection and the Jessica McClintock Heirloom Collection. The accused collection is Holland House's "LA BELLE" collection. An image from the '329 Patent and the La Belle collection are below.

HFB Publishes "E-Market Preview"

Home Furnishings Business released its comprehensive "E-Market Preview- High Point Edition" on Thursday, April 2, 2009. The on-line guide is an impressive collection of interactive pages featuring many of the home furnishing companies participating in this April 2009 High Point Market. The guide may be found by clicking HERE. Anyone attending Market (or just interested in Market) should spend a few minutes checking out this guide.

Edsal Sues Whalen On Shelving Patent

Edsal Manufacturing Company, Inc., a manufacturer and supplier of storage and workplace furniture, filed an action on March 25, 2009 in the Northern District of Illinois (1:09-cv-1870) against Whalen Furniture Manufacturing, Inc. alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,128,225 entitled "Cargo Rack." The '225 Patent covers a shelving unit and structural beams in the shelving unit.