New York-based Diane von Furstenberg Studio is suing Minneapolis-based Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT). Von Furstenberg's company filed a suit in federal court in Manhattan, alleging the retailer sells a dress with print that resembles her trademarked "Spotted Frog" design.

The suit also says that the company sent a notice to Target, which than removed the item from its Web site earlier this week. The complaint said that the dress is still being sold at Target retail stores.

Von Furstenberg has been a fixture of fashion industry for decades, credited with developing a popular knitted wrap dress in the 1970s. Her clothes generally sell in higher-end boutiques (von Furstenberg's Web site lists Edina's Len Druskin as its only Minnesota retailer).

Von Furstenberg's debuted the design in September 2006, during New York Fashion Week, according to a Dow Jones report. It is used on dresses, luggage, handbags and other items.

A Target spokeswoman said that the company hadn't yet been served with the suit but that it was aware of it. "We are researching the facts and will take subsequent steps as appropriate," she said.