Spanx is being sued for reportedly copying designs from a rival shapewear company, and is accused of actually ordering the products in order to copy it when creating its latest product releases.
In a claim filed on December 21, R and A Synergy claims that the latest Spanx products, Arm Tights and Sheer Fashion, which were launched by the brand’s founder and CEO, Sara Blakely, are essentially identical to its own product, Sleevey Wonders.
R and A, a Los Angeles-based company owned by a husband and wife, has now officially filed a complaint against Spanx for copyright infringement, according to Forbes.
Lawsuit: Spanx is being sued over claims it copied another brand’s exact designs and then cold them as their own product under the names Arm Tights and Sheer Fashion (pictured)
Sleeves: R and A Synergy claims that Spanx copied its brand, Sleevey Wonders, and says it has evidence that Spanx CEO, Sara Blakely, bought products from its company back in 2013
Copy: Spanx launched Arm Tights in September 2017 (left), while Sleevey Wonders (right) was created by CEO Ruthann Greenblat, in December 2011
The complaint was filed against Spanx in United States District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division, alleging Copyright Infringement, Trade Dress Infringement, False Advertising, and State/Federal Unfair Competition.
Spanx launched Arm Tights in September 2017, while Sleevey Wonders was created by CEO Ruthann Greenblat, in December 2011.
Both brands have similar products that look alike and are designed with the same function in mind.
The main purpose of both their products is to be used as a fashionable and flattering layering piece that you can wear under sleeveless dresses or shirts if you don’t want to show your arms.
However, it gets a bit unusual as the complaint that was filed, also has evidence that Spanx bought products from Sleevey Wonders back in 2013 and even had it sent directly to Sara’s assistant, according to The Fashion Law.
The complaint also states that Sara’s assistant, Jillian Doyle, ‘placed an order for two Sleevey Wonders under sleeves from R and A.
‘The order was shipped directly to Spanx’s headquarters in Georgia and was addressed to Lisa Magazine, Executive Assistant to Sara Blakely.’
When Spanx launched their sheer fashion line in September 2017, specifically their arm tights, they marketed it as if they created it for the first time.
‘Introducing a revolutionary product that will transform your wardrobe. Five years in the making and 100s of prototypes later, we made magic,’ the site states.
Arms: Both brands, Spanx (left) and Sleevey Wonders (right) are marketing their products as layering pieces to wear under sleeveless clothes
CEO: R and A is also arguing in the complaint against Spanx and CEO Sara Blakely, (pictured), that before Sleevey Wonders, ‘no such category of garment existed’
As for Spanx’s Sheer Fashion styles, they describe them as ‘fresh, fun-to-wear layering pieces that are as versatile as your ever-evolving wardrobe. From sheer mesh, to polka dot and lace, Sheer Fashion adds a pop to any outfit.’
Meanwhile, Sleevey Wonders was created before Spanx and had all of the different styles including mesh and lace before Spanx even launched theirs.
So, the complaint also states that the Sheer Fashion products are being sold as layering products, plus, ‘The line includes crop tops that are indistinguishable in appearance to the Sleevey Wonders sleeves when worn under a sleeveless outer garment.’
R and A Synergy also shared with TFL that they ‘spent a great amount of time and resources building its business, protecting and developing its intellectual property and designing its product line.’
The company is also trying to argue that before Sleevey Wonders existed, ‘no such category of garment existed.’
According to Forbes, ‘Spanx denies R and A’s allegations. In an early response to Greenblat, Spanx’ lawyer said that while both products, and others on the market, are intended for use on the arms, the products differ.’
Spanx also released the following statement to the site, ‘Since 2000, Spanx has made fabulous products for our loyal fans and we will continue to do so.
‘We believe these claims have no merit and Spanx has not infringed on any valid trade dress, copyright, or trademark right.’
This sounds a lot like that time Khloe Kardashian was involved in a copyright infringement law suit.
She was accused of buying sheer bodysuits from a designer, having them sent to her assistant’s home and then copying them for her Good American brand.