Pandora Accused of Copying FoundRae Medallions

(IDEX Online) - Pandora is facing legal action from FoundRae, a New York-based fine jewelry brand, for allegedly copying the design and marketing of its signature gold medallions.

FoundRae claims Pandora "has engaged in willful copyright infringement in violation of the Copyright Act of 1976".

It has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, after asking Pandora to desist.

Designer Beth Hutchens established FoundRae in 2015, creating signature 18-karat gold medallions with diamonds, featuring motifs such as a lion, rose, arrows, and celestial symbols (sun, moon, stars) drawn from mythology and nature.

Her "modern heirlooms" are available in more than 20 distinct designs, such as Resilience, Infinite Gratitude, Wholeness, can be customized and cost up to $69,000.

They have become popular with Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift, Gwyneth Paltrow, Emily Ratajkowski and other celebrities.

In August 2025, the Danish jewelry giant Pandora released its Talisman Collection of 12 medallions, made of recycled sterling silver, positioned as affordable luxury and priced from $45 to $125.

FoundRae says the Pandora medallions are so similar to its own, in terms of look, feel, and marketing that it found itself fielding inquiries from customers pointing out the similarities.

In the case of two particular medallions, it alleges Pandora crossed the line to unlawful infringement by copying the protected elements of its copyright-protected designs.

"Pandora's infringement of FoundRae's exclusive rights in the Copyrighted Designs has caused FoundRae damage, and has enabled Pandora to profit illegally therefrom," says FoundRae in its legal submission.

FoundRae seeks an order barring defendants from making, selling, or aiding sales of products copying its designs, plus seizure and destruction of infringing items and tools.

It also demands recall from distributors, damages (actual, statutory, or profits), fees, punitive damages, interest, and any other equitable relief, plus a jury trial on all triable issues.

Pandora has not commented.

Pic from court documents shows Pandora's medallions (the alleged infringing products), side by side with Foundrae's.