Young brand Oliver Thomas wins case against MZ Wallace

A one-year-old brand proved that diamond quilted patterns are fair
game. New York-based brand Oliver Thomas won a complete victory in a
lawsuit brought against MZ Wallace Inc. over the use of the pattern on
handbags.

Oliver Thomas founded his namesake brand last year alongside Sue
Fuller to create a line of functional, affordable handbags. The brand
uses technological solutions to provide features like smart
compartments to allow extra convenience to its shoppers. The style of
its bags are versatile and customizable, with an eye to trends and
consumer interests.

A few of its styles, including the Wingwoman Tote and the 24+7
Cellphone Crossbody utilize a quilted diamond pattern. The popular
textured pattern has also been used in handbags by MZ Wallace.

Though MZ Wallace brought up the lawsuit in a New York federal
court, believing the multiple Oliver Thomas products bore too similar
a design to its own, the court determined that MZ Wallace has no trade
dress rights in its nylon quilted product. Judge Denise Cote ruled
that MZ Wallace does not have the right to monopolize the use of
diamond quilting.

Judge Cote also noted in her ruling that MZ Wallace utilized
“business behavior” that was “unsavory and will hopefully cease.” She
said, “These include posting or encouraging others to post accusations
that Oliver Thomas’s bags are knock-offs on the Oliver Thomas
Instagram page, implying that Oliver Thomas bags are ‘counterfeit and
knock-off goods’ in its August 2018 letter to MZ Wallace retail
partners, and using threatening and disparaging language directed at
Oliver Thomas representatives at a trade show.

“Quilting isn’t new nor is it owned by anyone,” said Oliver Thomas
co-founder Sue Fuller in a statement. “We set out to create a fun and
very functional, affordable line of machine washable, vegan certified
bags and accessories for how people live today. We have met a need in
the marketplace without compromising our high standards and
values.”

Photos: courtesy of JJBPR