When Sean "Diddy" Combs' designer fragrance hit stores, we weren't sure exactly what was so 'Unforgivable' about it. Now, we think we get it -- it's the packaging. At least, that's according to glass sculptor Tom Patti, who says that Diddy's designer fragrance comes in a bottle that infringes on two of his trademark sculptures from the early 80s. Apparently, P Diddy's cologne and Patti's copyrighted sculptures are unforgivably similar -- and Patti's seeking unspecified damages.The two sculptures in question are Patti's "Modulated Solar Airframe" and "Compacted Gray with Clear and Ribs." If you take a look, you'll notice that yes, there are some striking similarities. Still, proving that Sean John's product design team knowingly copied Patti's designs has got to be tough.
The irony of the whole design is that the object in question isn't the actually container for the fragrance. It's actually a fairly unnecessary container for the container that holds the liquid, completely decorative. Unfortunately for Diddy, the glass cradle happens to be very similar to Patti's sculpture.
Even if Patti's designs were used at some point as inspiration for the glass cradle, does that actually count as a copyright infringement? Since the two pieces look somewhat similar, and are both made of glass, it seems like there's a lot of gray area here.
Any intellectual property lawyers out there want to give us some in-depth analysis?
[via Jezebel, TMZ ]