Emeco Sues Zara Home Over Norman Foster-Designed Chair Copies

Emeco, a furniture manufacturer based in the U.S., has filed a lawsuit against the Spanish brand Zara Home in the Hamburg District Court, accusing them of infringing on designs from its 20-06 collection, created by architect Norman Foster. The complaint asserts that Zara Home's Stainless Steel Structure Chair and Bar Stool unlawfully mimic Emeco's 20-06 Chair and Stool. Emeco's chairman, Gregg Buchbinder, highlighted the firm’s dedication to safeguarding original designs. This legal action follows Zara Home's refusal to comply with previous cease-and-desist requests. Emeco is pursuing damages and an injunction to halt further sales. The 20-06 collection, introduced in 2006, modernizes Emeco's 1006 Navy Chair, originally designed in 1944, with Emeco's items made from 80% recycled aluminum, contrasting with Zara Home's round stainless-steel tubes.