Court says Ivanka TRUMP must testify in suit for `lifting' shoe designs

Jun 26 2017 : The Times of India (Chennai) Court says Ivanka must testify in suit for `lifting' shoe designs Washington: REUTERS   President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka must give testimony in a lawsuit against her apparel company that was accused of lifting designs from a celebrated Italian shoemaker, a US judge has ruled.In an order on Friday , New York district Judge Katherine Forrest rejected Ivanka's assertion that she should be exempted from court apperance because of the demands as a senior White House official. Despite “the obvious time constraints that Ivanka must have... it is nonetheless true she is alleged to have personal involve ment in the events at issue in this lawsuit,“ Forrest wrote.The court ruled that the deposition must take place in Washington by October. Luxury brand Aquazzura filed a complaint last year against Ivanka and her manufacturer, Marc Fisher Footwear, for trade dress infringement, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices. The firm said Ivanka “copied nearly every detail“ of the brand's “wellknown `Wild Thing Shoe' from the shape and silhouette to the fringe covering the toes, to the tassel on the heel“. Her manufacturer has flatly rejected the charge. The “Wild Thing“ shoe was an immediate success, selling for $785. Ivanka's “Hettie“ style, which the brand said copies design of their shoe, costs $145.