FBI Settles Suit Against Pulaski

January 5, 2012  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Legal on January 6, 2012

Furniture Brands International (NYSE: FBN) has settled a design patent infringement lawsuit against Pulaski Furniture.

The lawsuit was brought by Thomasville Furniture Inds., a Furniture Brands company.

Thomasville brought the lawsuit against Pulaski, a division of Home Meridian International, based upon the infringement of Thomasville's The Hills of Tuscany Collection. With regard to the settlement, Thomasville President Ed Teplitz said,

"We are pleased to have resolved this matter and once again, reinforce Thomasville's steadfast commitment to its unique designs," said Thomasville President Ed Teplitz.

"Protecting our product innovation is critical to maintain our design leadership in the industry," added St. Louis-based Furniture Brands Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ralph P. Scozzafava. "We will enforce our design patents and protect our brands in the marketplace."

As part of the settlement, Pulaski has agreed to immediately stop manufacturing and selling the furniture in dispute other than fulfilling existing orders and a limited phase-out of existing inventory. Further details, including the financial terms of the settlement are not available.