NY Woman Sues Victoria’s Secret Claiming Bra Design Is Hers

A lawsuit filed in Manhattan on Monday charges that Victoria’s Secret stole the idea for a convertible bra whose straps can be worn different ways.

Katerina Plew, a 38-year-old mother of four, filed for a patent for her invention in 2002. The design, which calls for a strip of fabric loops along the top of the bra cups and torso band that allow the straps to be detached and reattached in difference ways, allows the bra to be hidden under garments. Plew received a patent for her convertible bra design in 2004.

Two years ago, Plew arranged for a meeting in 2006 with Victoria’s Secret to pitch the product, after sending them a mock-up of the convertible bra she had made. The company canceled the meeting saying their legal team advised them against it.

A year later while shopping at Victoria’s Secret, Plew discovered the company was selling a 100-way strapless convertible bra that describes itselft as having three sets of straps that hook into eyelets to wear 100 ways.

Plew said she had no doubts where the idea originated.

She is seeking unspecified damages, and an order to stop the company from infringing on her patent.

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