Thomasville sues Ashley over Grand Geneva design
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, January 12, 2003
Thomasville, N.C. — Manufacturer Thomasville Furniture Inds. has filed a lawsuit against Ashley Furniture Inds., alleging that Ashley's Grand Geneva group is a knockoff of Thomasville's British Gentry collection.
The suit, filed in North Carolina federal court, claims patent infringement, trade dress infringement and unfair competition.
British Gentry includes bedroom, dining, occasional and home office furniture, primarily in antique-style pecan and ash burls. Thomasville said it has spent more than $4 million marketing and promoting the collection.
"Thomasville is committed to investing in new and original designs, and the promotion required to make a line successful," said Chris Pfaff, president of Thomasville, a division of Furniture Brands International.
"Part of this commitment includes defending aggressively our leadership position against companies who decide to forgo the investment in their own design and promotion," he said.
Ashley is evaluating the lawsuit, said Ron Wanek, chairman of the Wisconsin-based manufacturer and importer.
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