Herman Miller battles imitation high end furniture

Herman Miller (HM), a West Michigan high-end furniture manufacturer, is battling a Madison Seating over what it claims to be unauthorized use of its trademarks.

HM filed an enforcement action on August 19, claiming that Madison Seating used the company's trademarks and sold and marketed HM products without permission. This action follows a previous judgment between the furniture manufacturer and Levi Cohen, the manager of Madison Seating.

The consent decree obtained by the companies expressly forbids Cohen from continuing Madison Seating's current infringement activities, and places severe and specific penalties for violating the judgment.

HM spokespeople say that while companies are allowed to sell the company's used furniture, they need to clearly indicate the product's condition in their advertisement. Authorized HM retailers need to take things a step further and remain entirely truthful and transparent in their marketing. 

Brian Walker, the CEO of HM says that "Misleading business practices are a scourge of the industry," adding that "they negatively impact the entire category by confusing and frustrating customers and consumers, and damaging the brands and reputations of companies like Herman Miller and others that are committed to creating and selling authentic, innovative, high-quality products that last for generations."

The company said in a statement that it intends to leverage all forms of intellectual property protection it can to maintain the brand's integrity.

If you believe someone is unfairly profiting off of your work without your permission, it's important to contact a skilled business attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help protect your rights in case of litigation, and get you just compensation.

Categorised in: Intellectual Property Law

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