Jewelry Design Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Filed Over Humpback Whale Earrings

Los Angeles, CA – Jewelry designer David Rasnick sued Jewelry and Minerals of Las Vegas for copyright infringement. Rasnick has been designing jewelry for over 20 years and designed a teardrop shaped humpback whale loop earring. Rasnick registered the work with the Copyright Office on May 22, 1989. Rasnick alleges that “Defendant has sold unauthorized and infringing copies of the humpback whale earring, which bear a design that is substantially similar to the humpback whale earring at retail, at wholesale and through retailers.” Rasnick alleges that his damages cannot yet be determined and he may elect between the profits generated by the defendant or statutory damages under 17 U.S.C. § 504. Plaintiff also requests that the damages be enhanced because the Defendant’s alleged infringement is willful and intentional. Plaintiff also requests his attorneys’ fees and other costs pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 505. The case is David Rasnick v. Jewelry and Minerals of Las Vegas, CV09-08072 MMM (C.D. Cal. 2009).