Scottish firm settles legal action over 'copying' of bespoke designs

A SCOTTISH firm has succeeded in taking legal action against a business which was copying its designs.

Core Products, a family-run furniture company based in Perth, settled a case against Mercers Furniture Limited, which is based in Harlow in Essex.

Mercers had been selling items which closely copied Core Products’ Augusta collection designs, including a bedside cabinet, chests of drawers, a wardrobe, and a coffee table.

Core Products' design (left) was copied by Mercers Furniture for their own piece (right) (Image: Taylors)

The Core Products design (left) and the Mercers Furniture copy (right) (Image: Taylors)Lawyers Taylors Solicitors, who acted for Core Products, said that Mercers Furniture director Richard Mercer had agreed not manufacture, hold or sell the copied products, to deliver any infringing items – even those already with other suppliers – to Core Products’ Glenrothes warehouse, and to “destroy all items in their possession which infringed the copyright of Core Products’ designs, such as materials and plans”.

Mercer also agreed to pay towards Core Products’ legal costs.

Mary Wallace, a director of Core Products, said: “We are justifiably proud of our heritage of designing and developing furniture which has been specifically tailored to appeal to UK consumers.

“It is thanks to 35 years of experience within the furniture industry that we can develop the pieces we sell, and we strongly feel the integrity of our products should be protected. This settlement, along with the previous case, reflects our commitment to this.”

Taylors said it had also successfully undertaken action for infringement of Core Products’ design rights in a dual case against retailers VidaXL Marketplace Limited and HBI Commerce Limited in 2022.

Tony Catterall (above), Taylors’ head of intellectual property and an affiliate lawyer with Anti-Copying in Design (ACID), said: “The Augusta Collection is an important and successful range for Core Products, a company which spends a lot of money on the design and creation of its furniture. Its products deserve to be protected against copying.

“This is the second case in which we have represented Core Products in protecting the Augusta designs, and we have successfully settled on both occasions.

“We are delighted to have once again assisted the company in protecting its intellectual property against infringers. Our success demonstrates that those who seek shortcuts to success by copying successful designs will pay a heavy price.

“We hope these two examples show others that are thinking of infringing Core Products’ ranges that copying will not be tolerated and that the company is willing to do what it takes to shield their brand. Core Products will not let others get away with infringing its products for their own financial gain.”

Mercers Furniture Limited has been approached for comment.