Culp granted copyright for Palance fabric design

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, October 13, 2012

HIGH POINT - Fabric supplier Culp Inc. said it has been granted copyright protection for its Palance fabric design and said it intends to "seek all available remedies" against competitors who have copied the design.
     The company didn't name the competitors, but said it may seek monetary damages for past sales and injunctive relief prohibiting future sales of knockoff products.
     The effective date of the copyright registration is Aug. 8, 2011.
     "Culp is committed to protecting its fabric designs and views the rights afforded by copyright law as a vital part of fabric innovation and development in our industry," said Rob Culp, chairman. "We value our loyal customers who have continuously purchased Culp's authentic fabrics, and believe that those in the industry who take shortcuts through copying must be held accountable."
     In recent years, the company had sued several fabric suppliers for allegedly copying its Palomino, Wrangler, Stampede and Congo fabric designs.
     Palance is one of several popular leather-like fabrics in Culp's line.
    The company also said it is in the process of recording its copyright registration with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service. That would give Customs agents the right to seize imports of fabric and furniture that infringes on the copyrighted design.