California court rules against Coldwater Creek

LOS ANGELES - A California court has awarded boutique accessories retailer Brighton Collectibles a $6.7 million verdict against women's apparel retailer Coldwater Creek Inc. for infringing intellectual property rights, Brighton said Friday.

The company said a U.S. District Court jury in San Diego found infringement of one of Brighton's copyrights and the trade dress owned by Brighton. Trade dress is known as the distinctive look of Brighton's products.

Brighton operates about 120 stores, mainly in shopping centers in California and Maine.

Coldwater Creek said in a statement it was disappointed in the verdict and expects it to be overturned through post-trial motions. If necessary, the Sandpoint, Idaho-based company said it will appeal.

"We believe Brighton does not have a recognizable trade dress and cannot claim broad copyright protection over the use of heart designs for women's accessories," said Jeffrey Parisian, a senior vice president at Coldwater Creek.

In afternoon trading, Coldwater Creek shares gained 31 cents, or 15.7 percent, to $2.29.

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