Majors

Mejuri Files Countersuit Against David Yurman

MajorsMar 09, 2022

Mejuri Files Countersuit Against David Yurman

The jewelry retailer said David Yurman’s lawsuit is merely a way to bully its competition.

20211129_DavidYurman-2.jpg
Mejuri recently filed a countersuit against David Yurman, claiming the company’s infringement lawsuit is “an anti-competitive attack” on a smaller but emerging challenger.
New York—Mejuri filed a countersuit against David Yurman late last week, claiming the company’s infringement lawsuit is just a way to bully its competition.

David Yurman filed suit against Mejuri in a New York federal court in December, accusing the company of copying several of its iconic designs from the “Pure Form” and “Sculpted Cable” collections.

The lawsuit alleges Mejuri is infringing on the company’s intellectual property rights by unlawfully copying its designs, causing customer confusion, and damaging the reputation it took four decades to build.

In a statement issued when the lawsuit was filed, Mejuri denied those allegations.

In its countersuit, the company said, “Yurman’s complaint is not a legitimate attempt to protect its intellectual property but is instead an effort to bully and stifle an emerging competitor by claiming a monopoly on classic jewelry designs that have been used for centuries—designs that are ubiquitous in the jewelry industry today.”

To further support its claims, Mejuri detailed its design process, sharing its inspiration, sketches, and other steps, noting the differences between the twist designs in its “Crôissant Dome” collection and David Yurman’s “Pure Form” collection.


Mejuri claims in its suit that the inspiration for “Crôissant Dome” was the classic French pastry, not David Yurman’s design.

Mejuri also argues that twist designs, like the twists of David Yurman’s cable bracelets, have been seen in jewelry since Ancient Rome, and therefore the design is not distinctive to David Yurman.

20220309_3-Mejuri.jpg
Mejuri showed examples of ancient jewelry with twist designs as part of its countersuit.

“Given the commonplace nature of the twist motif, Yurman cannot legitimately claim the ‘Pure Form’ cable bracelet design as unique to Yurman, much less as protectable trade dress exclusive to Yurman. Nor can Yurman legitimately claim that consumers associate the appearance of the ‘Pure Form’ cable bracelet with Yurman, as opposed to any other company offering a similar design,” said Mejuri.

Mejuri’s countersuit includes several images of jewelry with twist designs from major brands like Tiffany & Co. and Cartier to independents like Ben Bridge and Ross-Simons. 

Though twists are common in jewelry, David Yurman holds federal trademark registrations for its specific cable bracelet design, which Mejuri recognizes in its lawsuit.

Pieces from Mejuri’s Crôissant collection have pending design patent applications in the United States, as per court documents.

In a statement to National Jeweler, the attorney representing David Yurman called the countersuit a “weak attempt” to excuse IP infringement. 

“It's common for companies caught copying others’ designs to argue that the design is free for the taking,” said Jay Neukom, lead counsel for David Yurman in the case.

“Mejuri’s weak attempt to excuse its conduct by citing the Roman Empire and its own corporate mission statement does not change the facts. Yurman’s complaint has side-by-side pictures that show how Mejuri’s ‘in-house’ designs mimic David Yurman, Boucheron, and Lagos. We look forward to making this misconduct even clearer as the case proceeds,” he Neukom.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Mejuri’s countersuit also outlines the company’s perspective on several of David Yurman’s other claims.

Mejuri took issue with the claim that Mejuri’s designs could be confused for David Yurman pieces, noting that the two companies operate in different segments of the jewelry market and their products are not sold in the same stores.

The company also noted that while other jewelry brands use twist designs, including more well-known brands, Yurman hasn’t taken legal action against them.

David Yurman has instead “chosen to target Mejuri by bringing an anti-competitive attack on a smaller, but rapidly growing, challenger that is modernizing a traditional industry,” said Mejuri.

Mejuri said its designs had been on the market for two years and no concerns had been raised until last December.

The company added that, allegedly, David Yurman never contacted them to discuss the problem and instead “filed this meritless lawsuit and issued a press release without the courtesy even of providing Mejuri notice.”

David Yurman also accused Mejuri of copying its founding message and ethos about female empowerment and women buying jewelry for themselves, a claim Mejuri denies.

The female-founded brand said female empowerment has been at the core of its mission since its founding in 2015, establishing its Empowerment Fund to support women and non-binary individuals and partnering with the Jeannette Rankin Foundation to provide additional scholarships for low-income women and non-binary people.

In its initial lawsuit, David Yurman also pointed out that when it hired a social media influencer to showcase its jewels, less than two weeks later, Mejuri hired the same influencer to appear in a similar social media campaign.

Mejuri countered that the influencer had been promoting Mejuri on her social media page months before David Yurman shared her selfie.

David Yurman, via its lawsuit, said it hopes to stop Mejuri’s “illegal actions” and receive compensation for the alleged violations as well as attorney fees.

The company also requested Mejuri melt down and recycle its remaining inventory of products that are alleged copies and take down and destroy the aforementioned advertising and promotional materials.

Mejuri said that David Yurman is not entitled to any remedy or relief and did not state that it was looking for any in return.

David Yurman is requesting a trial by jury, which Mejuri does not object to, as per court documents.

David Yurman Enterprises LLC v. Mejuri Inc. was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Peter Yantzer at a diamond cutting machine
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Buccellati Opera Tulle ring
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Lagos SML High Jewelry Bee Brooch
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden Globes

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Gavel
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store Robberies

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 Program
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now Open

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

The Venetian Expo Las Vegas
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now Open

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Avocados From Mexico Golden Double Dip Chip
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden Chip

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

41.82-carat rough blue diamond recovered from the Cullinan Mine
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South Africa

Petra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.

Marie Lichtenberg Lasso Locket Bracelets Campaign
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New Bracelets

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

“My Next Question: The Podcast” graphic featuring Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

Colman Domingo
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand Ambassador

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

Burnell’s Fine Jewelry Kristi Regan, Nathan Regan, Sean Hamlin, Erin Carson
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ Award

Edge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, vice president of coaching strategy and development at the Edge Retail Academy
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026

In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.

Orr’s Jewelers David Gordon, Marcia Gordon, Aliza Gordon, Leslie Gordon
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip District

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store Robbery

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

Rio Grande diamonds
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond Melee

The supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.

Hana Kaneko rings
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter Event

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

MNQ FINAL - NJ web - 1872 x 1052 px.png
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the Podcast

A monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals

Lisa Manobal, Priyanka Chopra Jonas
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden Globes

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.

Peter Yanzter, former executive director of AGS Labs
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77

Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.

Jewelers Mutual logo
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance Program

Through EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.

Kendra Scott CEO Chris Blakeslee
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO

Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.

Wrapped holiday present boxes
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard Say

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Christie’s Kimberly Miller
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for Luxury

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

Lionheart Serenity Opal Amulet Charm
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal Charm

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy