Madeline Weinrib, Designer and Great-Grandaughter to the founder of ABC Carpet and Home, won't let competition pull the wool over her eyes. Weinrib has filed suit against Williams-Sonoma, the parent company to Pottery Barn and West Elm, whom Weinrib claims produced rug designs which were "virtually indistinguishable" to a collection of rugs she designed and released in 2005 by ABC.
In the World of Oriental Rugs, it's not uncommon for two designs to be very similar. In fact, many would say it's a form of tradition for designs to be commonly shared, adapted and interpreted by different cultures. Cooincidental or intentional, given the simplicity of design execution of these two particular rugs, and bearing consideration of the implimentation of traditional shapes not uncommon to certain cultures, it's a difficult claim to ascertain. One other point to consider would be the construction, while the rug photographed on the bottom by West Elm is a Dhurrie (certain type of flatwoven rug), it is too difficult to determine from photographs whether or not the other rugs are piled. It appears as though there is a heavy similarity in regards to design, but is Weinrib going overboard? What do you think?
Pictured above: ABC Carpet and Home "Brooke Orange" by Madeline Weinrib
Pictured above: Pottery Barn's "Moorish Tile" Rug
Pictured above: West Elm's "Taksim Tile" Rug
Weinrib is suing for damages, and is not only demanding a cease and desist, but also says William-Sonoma should hand over all profits from the sale of this rug.
Sources:
NewYorkPost.com
NYMag.com
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