Mar 21, 2022

U.S. Federal Court rules in favor of artist Christopher Radko over name dispute

Artist Christopher Radko faced down a preliminary injunction challenging the fair use of his name with regards to the launch of his new line of original ornaments. The U.S Federal Court in New York denied the motion brought by Rauch Industries Inc., the owner of the Christopher Radko® brand.

The motion sought to prohibit Radko from using his name in association with his all seasons and holiday ornaments business, despite the expiration of his non-compete agreement with Rauch Industries as of August 15, 2021.

After a 15-year absence, Radko has made a return to home décor with HeARTfully Yours, an all new year-round collection of glass ornaments. Hailed by the New York Times as “The Ornament King” and “The Czar of Christmas Present,” Radko has been a much-beloved figure in the industry by avid collectors as well as casual shoppers for his finely crafted ornaments that have come to adorn homes all over the world.

However, Mr. Radko’s right to use his name, Christopher Radko with regards to being the designer of HeARTfully Yours has been challenged by Rauch Industries, the company that owns the rights to the trademark CHRISTOPHER RADKO. The matter was brought to the U.S Federal Court in New York, which has denied Rauch Industries Inc.’s motion that sought to prohibit Christopher from using his name in association with his home décor and ornament business.

The artist’s HeARTfully Yours collection is handcrafted in limited-edition quantities by nine personally selected European families. “Nothing is mass produced, these are, as I call them, ‘works of heart’, created at small cottage workshops where the mom and dad and kids are still involved, just like the old days,” Radko said.

“My ornaments carry forth the legacy traditions of Poland, Germany, Czech Republic and Italy, and these are the only countries where the ornaments are made,” he added. “My passion is sharing the spirit of Christmas all year long. This is not just a business for me, it has to have heart. Each ornament takes a whole week to make, and I personally oversee each one with my stamp of approval. This is my first collection in 15 years, and I am thrilled to be back. Most people retire in their 60s, but I get to start a whole new act 3 in my life, and it will be the best one ever!”

Radko is dedicating a portion of the proceeds to various causes including heart disease, breast cancer, AIDS research, food insecurity, and now Ukraine relief. “My ornaments go the extra mile by raising much-needed funds for these vital non-profits and programs,” he said.

For more information, visit HeARTfullyYours.com.