A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Adwar Suing 2 Companies for Copyright Infringement
The casting company alleges that Star Gems and Mercury Ring/Interjewel USA knocked off a few of its designs.
Rockville Centre, N.Y.--Adwar Casting has filed two lawsuits in the state of New York against companies it alleges are knocking off its designs.
The first was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York on Oct. 27 against Norcross, Georgia-based Star Gems, a wholesale manufacturer and seller of jewelry products, and its president and CEO, Anish Desai.
The lawsuit alleges that, in or around July of this year, Star Gems used two of Adwar’s copyrighted pieces of artwork without permission--one a picture of a ring and the other of a pendant--and began marketing and selling jewelry using them.
Keith Adwar, the company’s chief financial officer, said they saw posts online in which Desai was using Adwar’s image and offering to make their product without permission.
He said they talked to Desai and asked him to stop, but, as noted in the lawsuit, “despite having knowledge of its wrongful activities,” Star Gems continues to market and sell products using artwork similar or the same as Adwar’s own.
In a statement to National Jeweler sent via email, Desai said: “When you look at the exhibits attached to the complaint, they consist of two social media posts and do not show any evidence of any infringement of manufacturing done by Star Gems. Our attorney has already send out a response to this baseless claim.”
But Adwar maintained that because the two designs are copyrighted, it is still not legal to take images of them and offer to make the designs.
“It’s important for people to learn that with the new technology we have, customers cannot just take a picture of yours and say, ‘I can make this,’” he said.
Adwar Casting filed the second lawsuit in the same court on Nov. 1 against Interjewel USA and its President Sanjay Kothari, as well as Mercury Ring and its CEO, Phyllis Bergman.
Mercury Ring is a division of Interjewel USA, which falls under India-based Interjewel. The companies sell their jewelry products through their websites, as well as through retailers.
In the lawsuit, Adwar Casting alleges that around 2016/2017, Interjewel USA and Mercury Ring took one of its designs, which is copyrighted, and started marketing and selling jewelry products using said design.
Keith Adwar said they approached Bergman about what they believed the company was doing, and also asked for the models and molds back of the design the companies allegedly had knocked off, offering to let it drop after that.
But, the lawsuit alleges that, “despite having knowledge of its wrongful activities,” Mercury Ring and Interjewel USA continued to market and sell products with artwork that is similar to or the same as Adwar’s artwork.
Adwar also alleges in the suit that the companies have infringed other works from the company, citing one instance in which they advised their employees via an internal document to “knock off all Adwar pieces that are ordered.”
Neither Mercury Ring nor Interjewel USA responded to requests for comment by press time.
Adwar Casting is seeking damages in both lawsuits because, it said, it has lost income and continues to do so because of these activities.
In addition to asking for a judgment permanently enjoining the previously mentioned activities, in each case it also is asking for damages paid of three times the profits made through the allegedly infringing pieces, as well as three times the amount of actual damages incurred by the infringing or the maximum amount of statutory damages that resulted, attorney and lawsuit costs, and other payment as the court deems proper.
The Latest
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.