Richemont International SA , the parent company of Van Cleef & Arpels , ignited a major legal battle in February 2025 , alleging that Silversmiths Inc. is counterfeiting and infringing upon the iconic Alhambra quatrefoil jewelry design. The case, filed in federal court in New Jersey (Case No.
2:25-cv-01204), marks one of the most aggressive moves by a luxury conglomerate in the ongoing crackdown against designer superfakes in the U.S. market. The Alhambra Motif Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra collection , introduced
in the late 1960s , features a distinctive clover-shaped motif, beaded with metalwork and solid at its center. Richemont claims this trade dress is instantly recognizable and is one of the world’s most sought-after status symbols in luxury jewelry.
As the company notes in its court filings, Van Cleef has made widespread and exclusive use of the iconic Alhambra trade dress for decades, investing a considerable amount of time, effort, and money advertising and promoting their jewelry and watch products bearing the trade dress and has enjoyed enormous success selling such products in the U.S.
and around the world. Allegations of Deliberate Counterfeiting and Infringement The lawsuit alleges that Silversmiths Inc.
, based in New Jersey , has been manufacturing and distributing jewelry that closely mimics the distinctive quatrefoil-shaped design of the Alhambra collection, complete with beaded borders and nearly identical silhouettes…
