When Big Corporations Steal Your Ideas: What Can You Do?

Imagine spending months, even years, perfecting a unique design, only to have a billion-dollar corporation copy it and threaten to sue you for speaking up. This is exactly what happened to Cassey, the creator of the patented Pirouette Skort, when Nordstrom—a retail giant—allegedly stole her design and sold it as their own. Her story is a stark reminder of how intellectual property (IP) theft can impact small businesses and independent creators. But it also highlights the importance of protecting your work with a patent. Let’s break it down.

Cassey, the founder of POPFLEX, designed the Pirouette Skort—a stylish and functional piece that quickly gained popularity, especially after Taylor Swift was spotted wearing it. She secured a design patent for her creation, a significant milestone for any small business. However, her celebration was short-lived when she discovered that Nordstrom was selling a near-identical product called the “Tutu Skort” by Gottex.

When Cassey sent a cease-and-desist letter to stop the sale of the dupe, Nordstrom’s legal team responded by threatening to sue her for unfair competition and tortious interference with business. These claims were likely an attempt to intimidate her into dropping the case. Unfair competition typically involves deceptive business practices, while tortious interference refers to intentionally disrupting someone’s business relationships. However, in this case, Nordstrom’s claims were baseless—Cassey was simply defending her patented design.

This is a classic example of fear-mongering tactics used by corporations to silence smaller creators. But here’s the key: Cassey’s patent gave her a strong legal foundation to fight back. Without it, the case would have been far more complicated and difficult to win

Cassey’s story underscores the importance of securing a patent for your creative work. A patent grants you exclusive rights to your invention or design, making it easier to take legal action against infringers. While enforcing a patent can still be challenging, especially against deep-pocketed corporations, it provides a clear legal framework to protect your intellectual property.

In Cassey’s case, her patent was a game-changer. It not only validated her ownership of the Pirouette Skort design but also gave her the leverage she needed to stand up to Nordstrom. Without a patent, proving her case would have been much harder.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are some steps you can take:

1. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your design process, patent applications, and any communication with the infringing party.
2. Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter: A formal letter demanding that the infringing party stop using your design can sometimes resolve the issue without litigation.
3. Seek Legal Advice: Consult an IP attorney to understand your rights and explore your options.
4. Raise Awareness: Like Cassey, you can use social media and public platforms to draw attention to the issue. Public pressure can sometimes force corporations to act.

Cassey’s experience is not an isolated incident. Many independent designers and small businesses face similar challenges, often feeling powerless against corporate giants. But her decision to speak out—and her ability to do so confidently because of her patent—is a powerful reminder that protecting your intellectual property is essential.

By securing patents and standing up for their rights, creators can level the playing field and hold corporations accountable for IP theft.

If you’re a creator or business owner facing intellectual property theft, you don’t have to fight alone. At KOREJZOVA LEGAL, we specialize in helping individuals and businesses protect their creative work. Whether you need help filing a patent, sending a cease-and-desist letter, or taking legal action, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Don’t let big corporations bully you into silence. Contact KOREJZOVA LEGAL today for expert legal advice and take the first step toward protecting your intellectual property.

Text: Ho, Cassey. „One of the Largest Retailers in America Is Trying to Silence Me". Blogilates, 20. únor 2025, https://www.blogilates.com/blog/popflex-nordstrom-rack-dupe/.

Photo: Pirouette Skort Picture. Ho, Cassey. „One of the Largest Retailers in America Is Trying to Silence Me". Blogilates, 20. únor 2025, https://www.blogilates.com/blog/popflex-nordstrom-rack-dupe/.