Dezeen · Architectuur

Emeco sues Zara Home over chairs designed by Norman Foster

US furniture brand Emeco has initiated legal proceedings against Zara Home, accusing the Spanish retailer of unlawfully copying the design of chairs and stools created by architect Norman Foster for Emeco's 20-06 collection.

Emeco filed a lawsuit at the Hamburg District Court in Germany, alleging that Zara Home's Stainless Steel Structure Chair and Stainless Steel Bar Stool infringe upon the design of its 20-06 Chair and 20-06 Stool. Emeco chairman Gregg Buchbinder stated the company is committed to protecting original design and the integrity of the creative and manufacturing process. Zara Home declined to comment when contacted by Dezeen.

The Emeco pieces, released in 2006, were designed by Foster + Partners founder Norman Foster as a contemporary interpretation of the brand's 1944-developed 1006 Navy Chair. Both Emeco's and Zara Home's products feature a metal finish with a curved seat over the legs. Emeco's collection uses square tubes made from 80% recycled aluminum, while Zara Home's versions are made from round stainless-steel tubes.

Emeco claims it issued cease-and-desist and damages claims to Zara Home before filing the lawsuit, but Zara Home refused to halt production. The lawsuit seeks damages and an injunction to prevent Zara Home from selling the disputed items. Emeco argues that large companies often copy successful designs from smaller brands to avoid the risks and investments associated with innovation, effectively using smaller companies as unpaid research and development labs.

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