Bragel Stands Ground Against Knockoff Artists
Pomona, Calif.–based Bragel International Inc., producer of the NuBra strapless brassiere, was recently awarded a judgment in U.S. District Court against Staten Island, N.Y.–based N.Y. Intimates, which was charged with infringing upon Bragel’s patent for the product. But Bragel’s managers are finding that keeping knockoffs out of the marketplace will be an ongoing battle.
Reports that the defendants are still marketing the knockoff items have been circulating in the industry, and Bragel officials are attempting to enforce the judgment by bringing new evidence to court. Any violations of the court order could put the defendants in contempt and possibly lead to jail time, attorneys said. N.Y. Intimates principals Tatyana and Elena Abramyan did not return calls concerning the case.
The court determined that N.Y. Intimates’ strapless “Un- Bra” infringed on at least one of several patents Bragel owns for its NuBra. The court issued a permanent injunction against N.Y. Intimates from selling, manufacturing or distributing the product in question. The court is expected to determine monetary damages in the coming weeks, said Bragel principal David Chen.
Bragel officials are intent on preventing other companies from copying the NuBra. Chen said the company expects to gain another patent next month. “We’re going to take anyone who infringes upon our patents to court,” he said.
The NuBra is a silicon-based strapless bra aimed at enhancing the bust line as well as providing support for strapless gowns, swimwear and other garments. Some consumers are taking the product to the beach to get an “all over” tan.
The company has developed more than 120 skus for the line and will introduce new styles such as the “Aphrodite,” featuring lace fabrications, Jan. 28–31 at the Salon International de la Lingerie in Paris.
In addition, Chen said the company also plans to open two franchised retail stores in 2005. Patricia Marquis is the company’s West Coast sales representative. E-mail her at info@patricamarquis for more information. —Robert McAllister
