Culp, Inc. Announces Copyright Infringement Complaints Filed in Federal Court

Culp, Inc. (NYSE: CFI) (Upholstery Fabrics Division) today announced that it has filed copyright infringement complaints against three fabric companies – Direct Textiles Inc., Independent Furniture Supply Company, Inc., and Huntington Fabrics, Inc. – as well as the individual principals of these companies, for their willful infringement of one or more of Culp’s popular Palomino, Stampede, and Wrangler fabric designs. Culp’s Palomino, Stampede, and Wrangler fabric designs are protected by federal copyright laws and by U.S. Copyright Registrations effective June 15, 2006. The three complaints were filed on August 12, 2009, and are pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

Culp has been recognized in the industry for designing unique fabrics with leather-like appearances and qualities, including its Palomino, Stampede, Wrangler, Congo, and Gunslinger fabric designs, all of which have been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. Culp intends to aggressively pursue enforcement of its rights against other entities and individuals engaged in selling knock-offs of Culp’s copyrighted designs. Culp will seek all available remedies against such infringers, including damages and a disgorgement of profits, impounding and destruction of infringing fabrics, as well as injunctive relief against future sales by infringers. Culp has also submitted its copyright registrations for recordation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to prevent the unauthorized importation of infringing fabrics.

Robert G. Culp, III, chairman of Culp, Inc., commented, "Culp’s unique Palomino, Wrangler, and Stampede fabric designs are the result of a great deal of creativity and ingenuity exhibited by Culp, and their popularity is reflected in the prevalence of unauthorized knock-offs. Our loyal customers are to be commended for their dedication to purchasing Culp’s authentic fabrics, and we are continuing to take action to protect ourselves and our valued customers by pursuing those who violate our rights.”

Culp, Inc. is one of the world’s largest marketers of mattress fabrics for bedding and upholstery fabrics for furniture. The company’s fabrics are used principally in the production of bedding products and residential and commercial upholstered furniture. For more information about Culp, please visit www.culpinc.com.