HIGH POINT, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Culp, Inc. (NYSE: CFI), today announced that the United States Copyright Office has granted copyright protection for Culp’s Palance fabric design. The effective date of Culp’s copyright registration is August 8, 2011.
Culp continues to be a market leader for fabrics that encompass the essence of natural leather without actually being leather. Like many designs before it, the design, format, layout and shading used in the Palance fabric 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.
Since Culp first introduced its Palance fabric design, its overall popularity has been outstanding. Unfortunately, certain of Culp’s competitors and others in the industry have copied Culp’s design. With the issuance of its copyright registration for the Palance design, Culp intends to seek all available remedies against infringers, including monetary damages for past sales and injunctive relief against future sales of infringing fabrics.
Culp is also in the process of recording its copyright registration with the United States Customs & Border Protection, so that U.S. Customs can target and seize imports of fabrics and furniture that infringe Culp’s Palance design.
Frank Saxon, president and chief executive officer of Culp, Inc., stated, “We are pleased with the Copyright Office’s decision to issue a registration for our Palance design. Culp will continue to protect its rights. We have invested valuable resources so that Culp can introduce new and unique designs to our customers.”
Rob Culp, chairman of Culp, Inc., added, “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. 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.”
Culp, Inc. is one of the world’s largest marketers of mattress fabrics for bedding and upholstery fabrics for furniture. The company’s fabrics are used principally in the production of bedding products and residential and commercial upholstered furniture.
This release contains statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Such statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. For a list of factors that could affect the matters discussed in forward-looking statements, please see Culp’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the "Risk Factors" section in the company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 12, 2012, for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2012.
Culp, Inc.
Kenneth R. Bowling, 336-881-5630
Chief Financial Officer
Source: Culp, Inc.