CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
MajorsJul 16, 2014
Harry Winston’s son loses bid to use Winston name
The son of famed diamantaire Harry Winston has lost a 13-year-long court battle to register the name Bruce Winston as a trademark for his own line of high-end jewelry, court papers show.
New York--The son of famed diamantaire Harry Winston has lost a 13-year-long court battle to register the name Bruce Winston as a trademark for his own line of high-end jewelry, court papers show.
Following oral arguments that took place in August 2013, the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) ruled July 9 in favor of Harry Winston Inc. and Harry Winston S.A., which sought to block Bruce Winston from registering the mark “Bruce Winston” for his business. He started his New York-based jewelry company, Bruce Winston Gem Corp., in 2002 and has been seeking to register Bruce Winston since 2001.
In its ruling, the TTAB stated that it would not allow Bruce Winston to register his mark because the Harry Winston name is so well known in the marketplace and the two companies’ products are very similar, which likely would result in confusion among consumers.
Bruce Winston’s attorney did not respond to request seeking comment on the ruling.
Court papers mention specifically a number of the accomplishments of Harry Winston himself, who “attracted for himself and for his business substantial attention from the press,” noting that the company’s name recognition continues to this day. Among those cited is the fact that a gems room in the Smithsonian bears his name and that actress Marilyn Monroe sang about him in the “legendary” song Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend from the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), crooning “Talk to me, Harry Winston, tell me all about it.”
The TTAB also dismissed Bruce Winston’s attempts to cancel certain Harry Winston Inc. trademarks and his claim that the company has allowed other members of the Winston family to use their names to market and sell jewelry.
One specific case cited is that of Charles Winston, who is the son of Harry Winston’s nephew, Jerry.
Since 1997, Charles Winston has been appearing on home shopping networks selling sterling silver jewelry set with cubic zirconia. He also sells the Charles W. Moissanite Signature Collection on Amazon.com.
However, in its ruling the TTAB notes that Harry Winston Inc. has “imposed restraints upon him,” with a federal lawsuit against three of his businesses resulting in a “stringent” consent judgment and permanent injunction. Court papers state that Harry Winston has “taken meaningful steps to control and neutralize the impact of the Charles Winston mark and to ensure that its use will be
limited to the non-competing fields of inexpensive costume jewelry.”
According to court papers, Harry Winston started his company as Harry H. Winston Jewels Inc. in 1932 and changed its name to Harry Winston Inc. in 1936.
After he died in 1978, ownership of the company was shared by his son Ronald and a trust for the benefit of his other son, Bruce. Between 2000 and 2006-2008, the company gradually was sold off to Aber Diamond Corp., which became Harry Winston Diamond Corp.
Harry Winston Diamond Corp. sold the Harry Winston name and retail stores to the Swatch Group in 2013.
More on Majors
The Latest
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
