Stella McCartney Sues Steve Madden for Copyright

The 44-year-old fashion designer - the daughter of Sir Paul McCartney - has filed a lawsuit against the founder of the footwear company for allegedly knocking off one of her most ''well-known and enormously popular'' handbag styles.


The British fashionista has claimed via court papers that Madden's ''poorly-made'' BTotally bag looks ''virtually identical'' to her popular Falabella tote and will likely ''cause economic harm to consumers, given its shoddy quality.''


According to the 22-page document, obtained by WWD.com, McCartney has cited the charges against Madden as ''trade dress infringement, unfair competition, deceptive trade practices, trade dress dilution, and design patent infringement'' and has asked for it to be discontinued.


McCartney's handbag, which features a woven chain trim and matching handle, is popular with the likes of Kim Kardashian West and will set customers back between $815 and $2000, where as Steve's dupe comes in at $108.


McCartney believes Madden's similar tote, also created from man made materials, ''is likely to confuse consumers into believing Steve Madden's product is Stella McCartney's.''


Meanwhile, this isn't the first time the designer and his company has been slapped with a lawsuit as six years ago, Balenciaga sued the footwear brand for copyright infringement, trademark infringement, false designation of origin and unfair competition due to its lego shoes.