From a legal argument perspective.
The DWR product is obviously a derivative of the Heller. But how many knock-off lawsuits have actually been "successful"? Not many, if I recall correctly. Heller is probably trying to go after DWR since they are a big name retailer, rather than some random website selling Chinese bootlegs.
I honestly
Like it or not (and I dont) - I honestly think DWR is in the clear here. The chair is thrice removed from the Heller chair: It is a different shape, a different material, and a different name. There is no inference from DWR that the chair is related to, or derived from Hellers Bellini. (Clearly the chair IS derived - but DWR isn't overtly trying to bait and switch: there is no mention of Bellini or Heller on the chairs homepage)
DWR deserves to go down
Come on folks. This would be an interesting discussion -- if it were Target. I've heard of the quality issues too. Simple answer: stop carrying the chair. If DWR drilled a round hole on the bottom of an Eames chair, added an extra layer of wood veneer and called it the the Meames chair, I guess some schlub would buy it if they charged 20% less than the original. It's still dead wrong. DWR purports to be something different from Target. They absolutely knocked off the Composo D'Oro winning Bellini chair. Any design person can see that. Mario gets nothing. Heller gets nothing. They worked YEARS on that design. DWR could never actually design something so perfect. They ripped it off. DWR is heading towards Pottery Barn status. It's a silly business model with the "retail stores" anyway. Bye bye. I will NEVER shop there again. Ever. Ironic note: Alan Heller helped fund the original DWR back in the Rob Forbes days. What a pity.
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