Harry Winston sues American retailer whose name has a familiar ring

Toronto-based jeweller and watchmaker Harry Winston (NYSE:HWD), is suing M.K. Winston Jewelers for alleged copyright infringement, reports the Boston Herald.

The company says the name of the Massachusetts-based retailer violates the trademarks “Winston” and “Harry Winston” for jewellery and polished diamonds, as established by documents filed in U.S. District Court in Boston this month.

Matt Khatib, who’s been operating M.K. Winston for three years, says he and wife Karyn created the company moniker by joining their initials with “Winston” in honour of her maternal grandfather, late World War II veteran Winston K. Sherman.

Harry Winston has been in the news this month since it is said to be in advanced talks with Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) to acquire its 60% stake of the Diavik Mine. This way, the Canadian jeweller would become the sole owner of the diamond operation located in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

Winston has been also approaching BHP Billiton (NYSE & TSX:BHP) to take over Ekati, the country’s oldest diamond mine.