Slabbinck Wins a Trademark and Copyright Infringement Suit Against Christian Brands (Autom) in the USA

Art Studio Slabbinck created an original version of the Chalice, Bread with Cross and Ichtus (fish) design. Some of Slabbinck's products feature this design. Slabbinck's competitor, Christian Brands (Autom), based in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, began selling corporal linens and purificators with a nearly identical design.

On 16 April 2010, Slabbinck sued Christian Brands in a Philadelphia Court for infringement of its Copyright in the design, trademark infringement and unfair competition. (Slabbinck also sued Autom, the predecessor company of Christian Brands, on similar grounds in 1996-1997). Slabbinck also complained about Christian Brands' use of the "BRUGGE Purificator" name which is an apparent reference to Slabbinck's locale since the products sold by Christian Brands were not made in Brugge, Belgium. Christian Brands denied Slabbinck's claims.

Nevertheless, after the filing the filing of Slabbinck's suit, Christian Brands agreed to stop selling the disputed items and not to use the "Brugge Purificator" name in the future. On 13 September 2010, the Court issued in favor of Slabbinck.