Andrea Rose, inventor and owner of a patent for the StyleFitter computer
system for personalized fashion shopping, this week filed a patent infringement suit
against a variety of companies.
The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in New York, named J.C. Penney Co., Lands End Inc., Mattel Inc.,
owner of The Learning Co., Broderbund Software Inc., The Hearst Corp., owner
of Cosmopolitan Magazine, Public Technologies
Multimedia Inc. in Montreal and Federated Department Stores Inc., owner of
Macy’s.
The suit was filed by the law firm of Fish & Neave and seeks a preliminary
injunction, a permanent injunction and damages.
The patent is for computerized systems that optimize apparel fitting across
manufacturers. Andrea Rose’s StyleFitter system helps consumers select
appropriate clothing for their body type by allowing them to try on apparel
via virtual modeling.
She is currently developing applications of the StyleFitter system to include
Web sites, kiosks and CD-ROMs. She is founder, chairman and CEO of Fashion Integration Technology Ltd.
“I have worked long and hard to win patent approval and bring this system
to market and I intend to defend my patent against any and all infringers,” Rose said. “The companies named in the suit are currently
using technology in violation of my patent grant and I will take every action
necessary in my defense.”
There was no immediate comment from the defendant companies.
The StyleFitter system is unique for its ability to determine the correct
size and fit for each consumer, and allow “trying on” of selected items via
virtual models, Rose said.
“The lack of standardized sizing between manufacturers has always frustrated
consumers,” said Rose. “Our mission is to become the premier, interactive and
online personalized apparel and accessory shopping technology by offering
computerized services that help consumers select clothing that fits well and
better meets their needs.”
The StyleFitter system selects garments from participating retailers,
manufacturers, designers and catalogs, then analyzes what size will fit
properly once a consumer has entered personal body type information.
Rose said she is a fashion industry veteran who began her career as an
apprentice to Halston before striking out on her own as a designer and
manufacturer.
