Bra Infringement Case

1 May 2008

By Jane Coyle

A recent lawsuit claims that Victoria’s Secret stole the idea for a convertible bra whose straps can be worn different ways from Katerina Plew, a 38-year-old mother of four who filed for a patent for her invention in 2002. She received a patent for her convertible bra design in 2004. Two years ago, Plew arranged for a meeting in 2006 with Victoria’s Secret to pitch the product, after sending them a specification of the convertible bra she had made. The company cancelled the meeting saying their legal team advised them against it. A year later while shopping at Victoria’s Secret, Plew discovered the company was selling a similar bra. Plew said she had no doubts where the idea originated. She is seeking unspecified damages, and an order to stop the company from infringing on her patent.

Jane Coyle is a Trainee Solicitor with Lawdit Solicitors.