Michaels Stores Hit With Ceramic Artist’s Trade Dress Lawsuit

A ceramics artist and graduate of the Royal College of Art alleges that Michaels Companies Inc. copied or reproduced some of her sculptures without her authorization or consent.

Katharine Morling tried to get in contact with the arts and home decor company last year to settle the matter out of court, but was “unable to reach a settlement” with it, according to her complaint filed Monday.

Morling says she has had a successful art career, writing that her work has achieved valuable goodwill through sold-out exhibits and news articles highlighting her double black outlining and choices in color combination. ...