Cartier files suit for name infringement

NEW YORK, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Luxury jeweler Cartier filed suit in federal court in New York against designer Donna Karan for using the word "Tank" which it claims to own, its lawyers said.

Cartier says it has the copyrights to the name "Tank," which designates watches first designed by Louis Cartier, who was inspired to make the watch after observing tanks in World War I, the New York Post reported Wednesday.

"It is apparent that defendant's use of the Cartier 'Tank' trademark in connection with watches is willful and intentional and done in willful disregard of Cartier's rights," the lawsuit claims.

Cartier sells luxury jewelry at prices that top $10,000. A Donna Karan Women's Ion-Plated Tank Watch costs $115, the Post reported.

Cartier fears the cheaper product will undermine the value of its watches, the Post reported.

The suit says Donna Karan also used the name "Tank" alongside watches in a previous dispute, but stopped doing so in 2001 after receiving a cease and desist letter.