NEW YORK — AnnTaylor Stores Corp., Ann Taylor Inc. and Annco Inc. filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Kleinfeld Bridal Group Inc. in Manhattan federal court this month over the use of the word “loft.”
Ann Taylor asked the court to halt “Kleinfeld’s deliberate copying and unauthorized use of Ann Taylor’s distinctive and famous Loft marks” on its Bridesmaids’ Loft store. Kleinfeld did not return calls for comment. The lawsuit was filed Nov. 17, but only recently became available.
Kleinfeld opened Bridesmaids’ Loft in Manhattan in February 2005. Ann Taylor said that it notified Kleinfeld that it intended to object to the company’s application for Bridesmaids’ Loft as a registered trademark in December 2005. Court papers alleged that Kleinfeld then filed a separate application for “The Loft” as a federal trademark.
Ann Taylor has operated its Loft stores since 1995 and submitted its first trademark application for the name in 1997, the lawsuit said.
The complaint alleged unfair competition, false designation of origin, dilution and unjust enrichment. Ann Taylor is seeking a preliminary and permanent injunction against Kleinfeld barring the bridal retailer from using anything similar to the Ann Taylor marks, unspecified damages and an order that Kleinfeld abandon its “The Loft” trademark application.