Culp's Palance Gets Copyright Protection

October 8, 2012  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Legal on October 9, 2012

Fabric supplier Culp (NYSE: CFI) has been granted copyright protection for one of its fabric designs.

The copyright registration for the design named Palance is dated Aug. 8, 2011. Palance is a fabric that looks like natural leather, and the company said the design, format, layout and shading used in the design combine to create a "one-of-a-kind design unique to Culp."

Culp is the owner of copyright rights in other popular fabric designs as well, including its Palomino, Wrangler, Stampede, Congo, and Gunslinger fabrics, all of which are protected by copyright registrations.

The company said Palance has been a successful pattern in its line, which has lead to knock offs by Culp's competitors. With the issuance of its copyright registration for the Palance design, Culp intends to seek available remedies against infringers, including monetary damages for past sales and injunctive relief against future sales of infringing fabrics.

"We are pleased with the Copyright Office's decision to issue a registration for our Palance design," said Frank Saxon, president and chief executive officer of Culp. "Culp will continue to protect its rights. We have invested valuable resources so that Culp can introduce new and unique designs to our customers."

Culp is also in the process of recording its copyright registration with the U.S. Customs & Border Protection, so that customs officials can target and seize imports of fabrics and furniture that infringe the Palance design.

"Culp is committed to protecting its fabric designs and views the rights afforded by copyright law as a vital part of fabric innovation and development in our industry," said Rob Culp, chairman of Culp. "We value our loyal customers who have continuously purchased Culp's authentic fabrics, and believe that those in the industry who take short-cuts through copying must be held accountable."