David Yurman has sued warehouse giant Sam’s Club for allegedly selling its jewelry without authorization.
The suit, filed Sept. 4 in Houston federal court, charges that by selling the designer’s merchandise in four Texas outlets and online, Sam’s Club is falsely suggesting that it is an authorized seller of the Yurman line.
The complaint also charges that the Wal-Mart–owned discounter has used Yurman trademarks without authorization, and that the only way the warehouse chain could have obtained the items is by “intentionally inducing one or more Yurman authorized retailers to sell the products to Sam’s Club in violation of their authorized retailer agreements.”
“Our company very carefully controls the retail distribution of our merchandise to ensure that David Yurman jewelry and timepieces are available at only the finest jewelry and department stores,” said Phillips Nazro, Yurman vice president and general counsel, in a statement.
The suit charges trademark infringement, unfair competition, and interference with contract and requests Sam’s Club be enjoined from selling Yurman products.
Sam’s Club spokeswoman Becky Harden tells JCK the company was reviewing the complaint, adding: “We have protocols in place to provide our members with authentic, high-quality products. We believe those protocols were followed in this instance.”
The suit bears a certain resemblance to a complaint Alex and Ani pursued against BJ’s Wholesale Club, after the charm maker’s products turned up on that retailer’s shelves in the New England area.
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
