EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
MajorsSep 15, 2014
Ex-Cartier exec fires back in trade secrets case
A former Cartier advertising executive being sued for attempted digital theft of trade secrets is asking a federal judge to dismiss the case on grounds that she was permitted to access the data in question and never obtained it anyway.
New York--A former Cartier advertising executive being sued for attempted digital theft of trade secrets is asking a federal judge to dismiss the case on grounds that she was permitted to access the data in question and never obtained it anyway.
In July, Cartier parent company Richemont North America Inc. filed a lawsuit in New York federal court against Melissa Pordy, its former director of off-line advertising, claiming that she asked a subordinate to download confidential advertising information to be used when she joined rival Tiffany & Co. and tried to entice that same employee, who once was her assistant, to follow her to Tiffany. Richemont accuses her, among other things, of violation the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, or CFAA.
RELATED CONTENT: Cartier sues former exec for trade secret theft
Last week, Pordy fired back, filing a motion asking the court to dismiss all seven claims in the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be revisited.
A memorandum supporting the motion to dismiss filed Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York states that “In sum, all of these claims commonly rely upon facts that assert that Ms. Pordy, while employed by [Cartier], attempted to obtain information to use after her employment ... information that she never obtained and never used. Accordingly ... these claims must fail.”
The memo argues that between the date she was informed she was being laid off (March 28) and her last day of employment (April 25), it is “undisputed” that she had authorized access to the information in question and nowhere is it alleged that she accessed, or attempted to access, Cartier’s computer systems after she left the company.
While the amended complaint alleges that Pordy “induced [her former assistant] to access a protected computer without authorization and in a manner that exceeded [her] authorized access to obtain confidential information in violation of CFAA,” there is no pled allegation that Pordy actually ever got any of this information her former assistant allegedly obtained through the computer system.
“To the contrary, the amended complaint alleges that Ms. Pordy requested [her former assistant] provide her with the purported information, which confirms that Ms. Pordy never received it,” court papers state.
Thereby, the alleged violation of the CFAA, the sole claim conferring jurisdiction to federal court, should be thrown out, the memo argues.
It also states that
Richemont has failed to allege facts sufficient to support its claims of breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty of loyalty and tortious interference with contractual relations.
Pordy remains an employee of Tiffany. When asked about the case back in July, Tiffany said it does not comment on employee’s personal matters.
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
