TOCCOA, GA ( October 3, 2011) -- Following a federal trial in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, a jury awarded Habersham Plantation Corporation and Habersham Investment Partnership, L.P. ("Habersham") damages in their copyright infringement lawsuit against Art & Frame Direct, Inc., World of Decor, Inc. and several related entities ("Defendants").

Habersham had accused Defendants of importing and distributing unauthorized copies of several of Habersham's most successful and original furniture designs, including its well-known Valencia Dining Table, Belmont Bookcase and Central Park Bed. "We are obviously thrilled with the jury's and Court's message--that the copying of original American furniture designs by others will not be tolerated--defending Habersham's commitment to distinctive high end design. The jury's award of substantial damages in this case should put the copiers on notice," stated Matt Eddy, president of Habersham. "We will continue to enforce our copyright and trademark rights to preserve the exclusivity that the Habersham brand has established with its heirloom quality furniture pieces."

The lawsuit has been one more milestone in a long campaign of Habersham measures to protect its copyrighted works and brand identity. Habersham's efforts to date have included the successful, amicable resolution of yet other infringement lawsuits, federal registration of its copyrighted ornamental furniture designs and trademarks, and the removal of unauthorized copies of its products, and infringers of its trademarks, from the listings of the online auction website eBay (R)--and other private websites. Eddy cautioned website purchasers to be careful in making purchases of Habersham-looking pieces over the Internet, stating, "From our efforts in enforcing Habersham's copyrights and trademarks over the years, we have learned that many of those high-priced, so-called Habersham products are actually inexpensive, poorly made copies." About Habersham: Celebrating nearly 40 years in business, Toccoa, Georgia-based Habersham Plantation Corporation is a leading manufacturer of hand-painted and styled showpiece reproductions and original, copyrighted furniture designs. The Habersham line features a full line of fine "one-of-a-kind" looking carved furniture designs in numerous choices of finish, including trumeaus, armoires, chests and dressers, cupboards, media centers, occasional dining and work tables, chairs, desks and beds. The company’s expansion into kitchen and bath cabinetry and custom options in recent years allows consumers to choose from residential furniture designs, unlimited finish options and styles, and cabinetry to create a Grand European or American Casual lifestyle look that flows throughout the entire home. For more information, visit www.habershamhome.com ,call 1.800.HABERSHAM or 706.886.1476 or write: Habersham, PO Box 1209, Toccoa, GA 30577-1209.

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