Designer Sues Williams-Sonoma Over Carpet Designs

New York, NY, June 25, 2008--A New York designer sued Williams-Sonoma Inc. for copyright infringement on Wednesday, claiming the retailer is selling carpets that are indistinguishable from rugs featuring her copyrighted designs.

In the suit filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, designer Madeline Weinrib says Williams-Sonoma's Moorish Tile Rug and Taksimi Tile Rug are copies of two of her Brooke Carpet Design rugs.

The suit also names Pottery Barn Inc and West Elm Inc, which are owned by Williams-Sonoma.

The suit alleges the defendants had access to Weinrib's copyrighted Brooke Carpet Design rugs prior to creation of their copies.

Weinrib has asked the court to stop Williams-Sonoma and its other businesses from infringing on her copyrights and is seeking a halt to the sale and promotion and a recall of any offending products.