Edie Parker’s famous enamel clutches are decorated with emoji graphics and personalized names, which is one of the main reasons for their popularity on the street as well as on red carpets. The handbag maker, which is based in New York, has sued another handbag company for copying its designs.
The lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York. In it, Edie Parker accuses handbag label Box Bag and its agent, Beth Smolen, of selling handbags that copy Edie Parker’s protected and copyrighted designs. The lawsuit claims that Box Bag copied the style and shape of the enamel clutches, the design graphics, and the Edie Parker trademark.
Edie Parker alleges that Box Bag copied three federally registered design copyrights. The lawsuit also claims that Smolen misused the Edie Parker trademark on her website and social media. It alleges that Smolen attempted to exploit Edie Parker’s hard work and creative effort, create confusion among customers, and draw attention to her website and marketing efforts.
The Box Bag purses in question cost much less than the Edie Parker handbags they allegedly mimic. Edie Parker asked Box Bag to stop selling the clutches before filing the lawsuit, but it refused. Edie Parker is now seeking damages exceeding $50,000 from Box Bag.
Designer Brett Heyman introduced Edie Parker’s vintage-inspired clutches in 2010. The bags are popular with celebrities and fashion editors and are growing in popularity online. Heyman was director of public relations for Gucci before he started Edie Parker and was a finalist for the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund in 2014.
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