TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
MajorsSep 15, 2014
Ex-Cartier exec fires back in trade secrets case
A former Cartier advertising executive being sued for attempted digital theft of trade secrets is asking a federal judge to dismiss the case on grounds that she was permitted to access the data in question and never obtained it anyway.
New York--A former Cartier advertising executive being sued for attempted digital theft of trade secrets is asking a federal judge to dismiss the case on grounds that she was permitted to access the data in question and never obtained it anyway.
In July, Cartier parent company Richemont North America Inc. filed a lawsuit in New York federal court against Melissa Pordy, its former director of off-line advertising, claiming that she asked a subordinate to download confidential advertising information to be used when she joined rival Tiffany & Co. and tried to entice that same employee, who once was her assistant, to follow her to Tiffany. Richemont accuses her, among other things, of violation the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, or CFAA.
RELATED CONTENT: Cartier sues former exec for trade secret theft
Last week, Pordy fired back, filing a motion asking the court to dismiss all seven claims in the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be revisited.
A memorandum supporting the motion to dismiss filed Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York states that “In sum, all of these claims commonly rely upon facts that assert that Ms. Pordy, while employed by [Cartier], attempted to obtain information to use after her employment ... information that she never obtained and never used. Accordingly ... these claims must fail.”
The memo argues that between the date she was informed she was being laid off (March 28) and her last day of employment (April 25), it is “undisputed” that she had authorized access to the information in question and nowhere is it alleged that she accessed, or attempted to access, Cartier’s computer systems after she left the company.
While the amended complaint alleges that Pordy “induced [her former assistant] to access a protected computer without authorization and in a manner that exceeded [her] authorized access to obtain confidential information in violation of CFAA,” there is no pled allegation that Pordy actually ever got any of this information her former assistant allegedly obtained through the computer system.
“To the contrary, the amended complaint alleges that Ms. Pordy requested [her former assistant] provide her with the purported information, which confirms that Ms. Pordy never received it,” court papers state.
Thereby, the alleged violation of the CFAA, the sole claim conferring jurisdiction to federal court, should be thrown out, the memo argues.
It also states that
Richemont has failed to allege facts sufficient to support its claims of breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty of loyalty and tortious interference with contractual relations.
Pordy remains an employee of Tiffany. When asked about the case back in July, Tiffany said it does not comment on employee’s personal matters.
The Latest
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
