Kookaï UK has launched a legal battle against Peacocks, claiming that the value retailer copied three of its knitwear garments.

The fashion chain, which has nine stores, lodged the claim at the high court last month over alleged design infringement on two jumpers and a dress sold at Peacocks between June last year and January this year.

In a statement Kookaï said: “Kookaï is a well-known brand that has been undergoing a transformation because of new ownership. The originality and unique heritage of the international design will be rigorously defended to protect the rekindled strong design ethos and brand image.” Kookaï is claiming damages of more than£15,000. Peacocks declined to comment.

In January last year, Kookaï was acquired by Maurice Helfgott and entrepreneurs Maurice and Michael Bennett after it fell into administration. Since then, it has focused on concessions and is set to open 14 this autumn.

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