Bernhardt sues Collezione Europa over patent
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, November 12, 2001
Lenoir, N.C. — Case goods and upholstery manufacturer Bernhardt has filed suit against importer Collezione Europa, alleging design patent infringements related to Bernhardt's Coronado collection.
The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in North Carolina's middle district, claims Collezione is selling a buffet, dining table and chair, curio cabinet and two beds that are infringing on Bernhardt design patents.
Bernhardt requested an accounting of Collezione profits on the items in question and an injunction to prohibit Collezione from acquiring and selling the items. Bernhardt also seeks damages and legal fees, and asks the court to order the recall and destruction of items found to copy Bernhardt designs.
Collezione Europa is ready to fight the suit, said Leonard Frankel, president and chief executive officer. He said Bernhardt is trying to win through litigation what it cannot win in the marketplace.
"I do not believe we have infringed on any valid patent, and I will not make any sort of conciliatory gesture like making changes to make them happy," he said. "We will litigate this the end."
