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New York Hotel Forced to Remove Dots after Eames, Maharam Lawsuit

The lawsuit is against fabric supplier Swavelle/Mill Creek Fabrics and Easthill Hotel Corp.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 10/29/2008 12:00:00 AM

New York's Pod Hotel based marketing material and bedding on a design a bit too close to the Eames Dot Pattern by Charles and Ray Eames, according to a recent copyright infringement lawsuit.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court by Eames Office, which manages and licenses the rights to designs by the legendary design duo, and textile manufacturer Maharam against fabric supplier Swavelle/Mill Creek Fabrics and Easthill Hotel Corp. The settlement requires the Pod Hotel to remove all of its dot pattern from bedding and cease to use the pattern on its website and brochures.

Following terms of the settlement, Easthill and Swavelle apologized for the incident without admitting or denying liability.

"We are very pleased to have amicably settled this matter," says Michael Maharam, principal for Maharam. "But the clear message to the industry should be that Maharam will vigorously protect its licensed designs."

Above: The Eames Dot Pattern. Photo: John Gettings