Bird Handbags Sues Liz Claiborne

Bird Handbags, the accessories outfit owned and operated by former model Liz Carey, has brought a trademark lawsuit against Liz Claiborne Inc. and Juicy Couture. At issue in the complaint, filed Jan. 29 in federal court in Manhattan, is Juicy’s new Bird by Juicy Couture apparel line, which Carey says infringes on her marks. Carey founded the handbag firm in 2006 while Juicy launched its imprint for fall 2009. In her complaint, the designer alleges that in the months since Bird by Juicy Couture’s debut she’s received misdirected calls from editors and clients seeking out the apparel line. “Prospective buyers have also mistakenly sought to purchase apparel from Bird Handbags under the belief that defendant’s ‘Bird’ brand was designed, produced and/or offered for sale by Bird Handbags,” her attorneys wrote. Nicholas Rubino, senior vice president and chief legal officer at Liz Claiborne, said, “We believe the claims to be without merit, and we will defend the lawsuit vigorously.” Carey is seeking an injunction, legal fees and unspecified damages.