Former FIT Student, Designer Sues Barnes & Noble Over Backpack Profits

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A former New York fashion student claimed in a federal lawsuit Tuesday that she hasn't made any money off a top-selling backpack she designed for Barnes & Noble.

Diana Rubio designed the "everything backpack" in 2010 while at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Chelsea.

The Daily News reported the school had assigned Rubio to enter Barnes & Noble's "Back to Campus" contest.

Rubio's bag won the contest and sells for $39.95. The Barnes & Noble website identifies Rubio as the designer.

But Rubio said in a lawsuit Monday that she never received any money from FIT or Barnes & Noble.

Barnes & Noble said it pays royalties to FIT and that the matter was between Rubio and the school. FIT did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

"Protection of the creative rights of FIT students is a foremost concern of the college. Although we have not been formally served with the lawsuit, we are aware of it, and we have begun our fact finding to learn the circumstances and, if appropriate, do right by Ms. Rubio," FIT said in a statement released Tuesday night.

FIT President Joyce F. Brown has formed a committee to review industry-sponsored competitions and projects for students with a report due out by Dec. 1, the statement said.

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