#RHONJ Margaret Josephs Files Bankruptcy Amid Renewed $9 Million Lawsuit — Unpaid Judgement Sparks New Legal Battle! (Exclusive)

Another day…another court battle for Real Housewives of New Jersey rookie Margaret Josephs!

The RHONJ newcomer has been navigating a legal mine field in connection to her lifestyle brand, Macbeth Collection.

Allow me to recap you…

In 2014, Margaret’s company, Macbeth Collection, was sued for $12 million by clothing company, Vineyard Vines, — but a new development in the case may bring the reality diva to her knees! 

As reported, Margaret has a history of pilfering products, logos, and ideas from various companies — and calling them her own.

According to legal documents obtained by AllAboutTheTea.com, Vineyard Vines accused Margaret’s company of trademark counterfeiting, trademark infringement, unfair competition, and copyright infringement. The judge ruled in favor of Vineyard Vines, and the MacBeth company was ordered to pay $300,000 to Vineyard Vines for stealing their logo and using it on MacBeth products. However, Margaret never paid Vineyard Vines the total $300k judgement — and the company is now seeking $9.4 million in statutory and liquidated damages. MacBeth only made payments totaling $190,000 — 2/3 of the total amount of the agreed-to Order. 

Court documents state:

“That Defendants, Macbeth, MCBMJ and Margaret Josephs, shall pay Vineyard Vines the sum of $9,411,657.21, representing $110,000.00 of the Judgment Amount remaining unpaid, the Additional Debt of $20,000.00, $500,000.00 in liquidated damages in accordance with the Consent Judgment, statutory damages in the amount of $8,600,000.00 and $201.657.21 in Vineyard Vines’ actual expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, associated with the enforcement of the Consent Judgment, and it is further”

Read court documents below:

Margaret’s company, MacBeth Designs LLC, then filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on November 1, 2016 — a dirty tactic commonly used to avoid paying judgements in lawsuits. The Bankruptcy case is still pending.

Ironically, while all of this legal drama between Margaret and Vineyard Vines was going down another company sued and won a judgement from her as well. That company managed to freeze her company’s bank accounts. 

The RHONJ newcomer’s business was accused of not only stealing a popular tote bag design — but of having the look knocked off and manufactured in Chinese sweatshops. The court ordered Margaret’s company to cease all use and operation of the copied Vineyard Vines designs but the company claims the order was ignored.

“That Defendants immediately cease and desist from any and all further violations of the Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment on Consent (DKT. 70), immediately recall, remove and ready for destruction any and all of Defendants’ illegal and illicit Infringing Products from the marketplace, in transit or in inventory, as well as any and all related marketing and advertising materials or references present in any media, electronic media or otherwise.”

Margaret’s company accuses Vineyard Vines of undertaking a “scorched earth,” campaign through extensive litigation and making misstatements to bolster its claims of continued infringement violations. 

Margaret touts the “fake it til you make it” way of life — and it looks like her philosophy has spilled onto the Bravo stage.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey airs Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET on Bravo.

 

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