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The Judd Foundation has taken legal action against Kim Kardashian and California-based Clements Design, alleging the promotion and sale of unauthorized replicas of designs by the late minimalist artist Donald Judd. The lawsuit, filed on March 27, accuses Clements Design of selling knockoff versions of Judd’s renowned “La Mansana Table” and “Chair 84” to Kardashian.
According to reports, the foundation claims that the table and chairs featured in Kardashian’s promotional video are counterfeit versions of Judd’s original designs, which are highly valued in the art and design world. The lawsuit asserts that the pieces shown in the video are not authentic Donald Judd creations, despite Kardashian’s endorsement of their authenticity.
Reiner Judd, president of The Judd Foundation and daughter of the late artist, has defended her father’s legacy, stating that the furniture in question is “irrefutably fake.” She emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of Judd’s original work, expressing concern that the existence of counterfeit pieces undermines his artistic legacy.
The foundation alleges that it attempted to resolve the issue with Kardashian and Clements Design through amicable means prior to filing the lawsuit. However, their efforts were reportedly unsuccessful, leading to legal action being taken to address the alleged infringement of Judd’s intellectual property rights.
In response to the lawsuit, Clements Design has refuted the claims made by The Judd Foundation, asserting that there are distinct differences between the furniture in Kardashian’s office and Judd’s authentic designs. The company has stated that it was blindsided by the legal action and maintains that the allegations have no merit.
The lawsuit highlights the significance of authenticity in the art and design world, particularly concerning the preservation of renowned artists’ legacies. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and the impact of counterfeit goods on artistic integrity.