ACID members Core Products Limited commenced proceedings in respect of four of its Augusta range of designs against each of FW Style Limited, IQ GB (UK) Limited, Furnished With Style Limited and their directors alleging infringement by their Enkel Furniture range.  The Proceedings, issued by ACID Legal Affiliates Taylors Solicitors, were initially defended, the Defendants alleging independent origination. However, following an exchange of legal correspondence, the Defendants entered into a confidential settlement with Core Products and the matter has been resolved with the Enkel products withdrawn from sale.

Tony Catterall, a Partner of ACID Legal Affiliates, Taylors Solicitors said, “This was the third occasion on which we have been obliged to take steps to protect Core Products’ successful Augusta range. We are delighted to have brought these proceedings to a successful and early settlement on confidential terms”.

Mary Wallace of Core Products said, “We are pleased to conclude this claim and thank Taylors for bringing the matter to a suitable conclusion. This is the third time we have had to act over an infringement of our original Augusta design. We invest heavily in the design of our original furniture collections, and we can only hope this will serve as a warning that we will always take steps to protect our designs when we believe that copying has occurred”.

Dids Macdonald OBE., CEO of Anti Copying in Design, said, “It is good that the parties have arrived at a settlement, it is much more preferable for both parties to avoid Court Proceedings. Even better that the remarkably similar Enkel products have been removed. This is clear evidence that Core Products take the protection of their intellectual property very seriously and adds to their deterrent message that they will take a strong stance if they feel their IP has been Infringed”.