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.

The Latest

NeverNot Feel The Rhythm Boombox Pendant
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas

Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.

Picture from press conference in Basel for new trade show, Basilia
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in Basel

Scheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.

Gem Awards 2027 Logo
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination Period

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace Ball watch
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball Watch

The beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.

Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Sotheby’s Paraiba tourmaline 7.70 carats
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby's

The recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”

Almasika Le Cauri Endiamanté Drop Earrings
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine Power

She wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Graphic for Episode 6 of My Next Question featuring Michelle Orman
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken Bathrooms

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.

SSEF emerald with filler
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled Emeralds

The lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.

Former Patek Philippe President Philippe Stern
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88

The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.

Marianna Smirnova
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive Director

Marianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.

NBA Larry O'Brien Trophy
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship Trophy

The New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.

Lionheart Cactus Pendant
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White Metals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.

Oscar Heyman ruby ring
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby Prices

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

Alicia Arnold
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design Director

The manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.

Boulle family in hard hats
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas Flagship

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

G Shock Coca Cola
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired Watch

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

Buddha Mama earrings
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are Trending

Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

16th century flower cluster hogback diamond ring
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in London

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

Chouette Designs Margaux Ring
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of Love

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

CBG logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix Show

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

A selection of animal jewelry
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

Grandview Klein diamonds
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat Rough

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation Studio

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

Smiling Rocks booth at JCK Las Vegas 2026
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good Board

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

×

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