MINNEAPOLIS -- One of the nation's trendiest home furnishings retailers has accused Target Corp. of systematically copying its designs on a range of products, from Christmas stockings to votive candleholders.

The lawsuit suggests Target hides behind its vendors, insisting they indemnify the corporation from such lawsuits, at the same time it specifies precisely what products look like.

Copyright infringement lawsuits among retailers and designers have become more frequent in recent years, as competition for the shoppers' wallet intensifies and mainstream retailers attempt to up their style quotient. Many of these lawsuits are dismissed or quietly settled.

Williams-Sonoma Inc., which operates Pottery Barn and other chains, claims in a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday that a quilted Christmas stocking sold at Target stores contains "every distinctive element of Pottery Barn Christmas stockings," right down to the snowflakes and blue sky.

More pointedly, the company says the stocking infringement is part of a "longstanding pattern of copying by Target of (Williams-Sonoma) designs for rugs, linens, tableware, furniture, lamps and other products."

Merck wins again in Vioxx trial

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Merck & Co. won its second Vioxx trial in less than a week Friday when jurors rejected the claims of a man who blamed the once-popular pain medication for a heart attack in 2001.

The jury of eight women and four men needed only 1 1/2 hours of deliberations to side with the drug manufacturer in the lawsuit filed last year by Gary Albright, 57, of Chelsea.

A federal court jury in New Orleans ruled for Merck on Wednesday. Another trial continues in Los Angeles, and Merck spokesman Kent Jarrell said six more lawsuits are set for trial between now and June, with the next slated to start in New Jersey on Jan. 16.

Judge dismisses tax case against Kozlowski

NEW YORK -- A Manhattan judge Friday dismissed all state tax evasion charges that had been filed against L. Dennis Kozlowski, former chairman of Tyco International, after prosecutors said he had satisfied a restitution agreement.

Assistant District Attorney Amyjane Rettew reported to the court that Kozlowski, currently in state prison, has paid over the past year restitution of $97.7 million and delinquent income and sales taxes of $21.2 million.

Rettew said payment of those amounts satisfied an agreement with the defense that the prosecution would move to drop the state tax case once they were paid.

State Supreme Court Justice Michael Obus granted the motion to dismiss.

"In view of the circumstances of Mr. Kozlowski's other case and that the sales and income taxes have also been collected, I do think it's appropriate to dismiss this indictment which in some sense is the tail wagging the dog," the judge wrote. "I do think this is an appropriate resolution."

Three senior AOL execs leaving company

NEW YORK -- Three senior executives are leaving AOL following a recent shake-up that brought in a veteran NBC executive as the online company's new chief executive, two people familiar with the matter said Friday.

The executives are Joe Redling, who is chairman and chief executive of AOL International, Jim Bankoff, executive vice president for consumer and publisher services, and John Buckley, executive vice president for corporate communications.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D6.