A BITTERLY-contested copyright court battle has been won by a textiles firm thanks to the expert counsel of a Blackburn law firm.

Bridstock Gate, which trades as Portfolio Home, was in dispute with rivals Orkney, amid claims a best-selling design had been plagiarised.

The Manchester firm drafted in Taylors Solicitors, based in Blackburn's Exchange Street, to fight their corner.

And before the case was due to heard at the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, Orkney agreed to settle the proceedings.

Tony Catterall, an affiliate lawyer for Taylors, secured undertakings that the defendants should not import or sell the infringing products and that an inquiry be undertaken to assess the payment of damages and costs.

Mr Catterall said: "The ability to bring proceedings in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court gives clients who create original designs the opportunity to protect their innovative work without fear of plagiarism.

"The protection of original designs is essential to justify the cost and effort put in to the creation of new products."

Paul Callan, a Bridstock Gate director, added: “We are delighted by the outcome achieved as a result of this action.

"We take a great pride in the innovative nature of our products and invest heavily in the design of original textile ranges that distinguish us from others in the market.

"It is essential that we protect the integrity of our designs and I am delighted that Taylors have achieved a more than satisfactory settlement on our behalf."