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Culp Gets Tough on Knockoffs
January 20,
2010 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in on January 21, 2010
Culp, Inc. (NYSE: CFI) said the company has reached agreements with a number of its customers and competing fabric suppliers regarding some of its copyrighted fabric designs.
Many of the company's designs are copyright protected, including its faux leather designsPalomino, Wrangler, Stampede, Congo, Gunslinger, Nabuck, Bonanza, Lambskin, Nabook and Buckskin. As announced in August, the company has pursued enforcement of its rights against companies and individuals engaged in selling knock-off versions of its designs.
Culp has reached agreements, the terms of which are confidential, with certain customers and fabric suppliers.
Culp also said it is engaged in enforcement proceedings against the following fabric suppliers and, in some cases, the company ownersGlobal Textile Alliance, Huntington Fabrics and Gum Tree Fabrics. Additionally, Culp is in discussions and pursuing agreements with several major customers to ensure that Culp will be the exclusive provider of its copyrighted designs for the long term.
"Our goal is to rid the market of unauthorized versions of our fabric designs," said Rob Culp, chairman. "Culp will do whatever it takes to protect ourselves, our valued customers and retailers from the unlawful violation of our rights. We believe our customers deserve it. We also welcome any involvement from retailers in these efforts."
In its release, Culp said there are certain customers, importers and retailers who continue to use unauthorized versions of Culp's copyrighted designs in their furniture products. In these cases, the company is gathering documentation and determining what legal actions to pursue.
"We appreciate our loyal customers who have supported us through these proceedings and have continued to buy only Culp's copyrighted designs," said Frank Saxon, president and chief executive officer. "Further, we are open to holding discussions with customers, importers and retailers in order to ensure that only authentic Culp fabrics reach the market."