Designers sue over knockoffs

NEW YORK, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- High-end shoe designer Stuart Weitzman is accusing JC Penney of infringing on its $215, patented peep-toe flat marketed as the "Chitchat."

Weitzman is demanding the retailer destroy what stock is left of its Miss Bisou "Sydney" shoe, which retails online for $19.99.

He also wants a judge to order that profits earned from the alleged copycat line be handed over to him, according to a federal lawsuit filed Jan. 16 in New York, the New York Post reported.

"I have to defend my work," Weitzman told the Post. "Our customers get a lot of success out of our shoes. They almost feel that it's our obligation to protect them for spending their money on our products."

Weitzman said he's dealt with five companies that have copied the shoe; settlements have been reached with three of them.

One of the stores involved was Sears, according to Weitzman's attorney, Chester Rothstein.

Designer Diane von Furstenberg's company last week sued Target in federal court in New York for selling dresses that closely resemble von Furstenberg's signature "Spotted Frog" design.

Last year, von Furstenberg sued retailer Forever 21 for selling a nearly exact $32 copy of the $325 "Cerisier" smock dress.