'Project Runway' host Heidi Klum sued by Van Cleef & Arpels jeweler

Van Cleef & Arpels claims model Heidi Klum stole her jewelry designs from them.

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The company last week sued Klum, host of the TV show "Project Runway," in federal court in New York, People magazine reported Saturday.

Van Cleef claims Klum's clover pattern is so similar to Van Cleef's vintage Alhambra line, they create "confusion in the marketplace," the company alleges in court documents. Van Cleef is suing Klum, 34, for copyright infringement and damages in excess of $25,000, People reported.

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Pascal Mouawad, head of Mouawad USA, which produces Klum's line, said the claim has no merit.

"It's clear that shapes like clovers, hearts, crosses, etc, are universal symbols and are commonly used in jewelry," Mouawad said.