LONDON — Aquazzura is giving the New York courts a workout.
Last Thursday, the company filed its second lawsuit this month, against Steve Madden Ltd., and on Tuesday the brand’s chief executive officer released a statement explaining its legal actions.
“We will continue to fight and try to stop these actions. Authenticity and originality are at the core of our brand and we will defend them at all costs,” said Jean-Michel Vigneau.
The Aquazzura claim against Madden is over the “Sexy Thing,” “Wild Thing” and “Christy” shoe designs. The Italian brand believes that a string of Madden’s designs are too similar.
Vigneau added that since 2013 his brand has been sending letters of complaint to Steve Madden for its sale of footwear styles that the company argues resemble those by Aquazzura. “Steve Madden continued to launch models to which Aquazzura objects,” Vigneau said.
The lawsuit was filed on Thursday in a Manhattan federal court and in its complaint the Italian firm alleged three claims for trade dress infringement and federal and state law claims of unfair competition.
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Earlier last week, the Italian firm filed a lawsuit against Ivanka Trump over its signature Wild Thing sandals. Trump’s company denies the claims.
Steve Madden did not respond to requests for comment.
> > RELATED STORY: Aquazzura Alleges Infringement Claims Against Steve Madden Ltd.