A gemstone designer has accused British retail chain Goldsmiths of copying his blueprints for an 88‑facet diamond and has asked a London court to halt the alleged infringement. The designer is seeking injunctive relief in London to stop the chain continuing use of the disputed faceting profile, a move that highlights intellectual‑property exposure for retailers that trade on proprietary cuts.

  • Accuser: a gemstone designer (unnamed in the filing)
  • Defendant: Goldsmiths (British retail chain)
  • Design detail: 88‑facet diamond (alleged copied blueprint)
  • Venue: London court; seeking injunction to stop continued use
  • Market: UK retail jewellery — implications for global chains

Context: design IP and the premium on proprietary cuts

Faceting profiles have moved from technical detail to commercial asset. An 88‑facet cut alters light return and surface dynamics compared with conventional brilliant cuts; designers and cutters now treat those blueprints as a piece of intellectual property that can determine retail positioning and margin. The complaint against Goldsmiths fits a broader pattern where bespoke cuts, whether natural or lab‑grown, become differentiators for mid‑market and accessible luxury assortments.

Impact: what US retailers and wholesalers should watch

For US buyers, merchandisers and investors the case is a reminder to audit catalogue provenance and licensing for design‑led SKUs. Retail groups that source unique cuts should review contracts with cutters and designers, preserve development records for potential disputes and consider contingency plans — from relabelling and product pulls to negotiated licences — to avoid inventory disruption. The claim also sharpens underwriting questions for insurers and investors about legal exposure tied to patented or copyrighted cut profiles.

The London proceedings will be watched by brands and independents alike: the outcome could recalibrate how chains licence, copy or develop faceting profiles and how they frame design originality in marketing to discerning customers.

Image Referance: https://www.law360.com/articles/2433058/goldsmiths-accused-of-copying-88-facet-diamond-designs