Journal De Bruxelles - Belgian Publisher Die Keure Sues Citizens of Humanity Over $108K in Unpaid Printing Fees

Drukkerij-Uitgeverij die Keure NV, a Belgian publishing and printing firm, has filed a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Citizens of Humanity, LLC, alleging that the Los Angeles-based fashion brand failed to pay more than $108,000 for custom hardcover books produced for its retail events.

The complaint, lodged at the Norwalk Courthouse under case number 26NWCV02032, seeks recovery of $108,213.77 in unpaid fees for printing, lithography, and international shipping services. The Belgian company contends that it fulfilled its contractual obligations by completing the work and delivering the volumes to designated locations in the United States and abroad, but has not received payment for the services valued at the specified amount.

Citizens of Humanity, LLC, which designs and distributes premium denim apparel through specialty boutiques and department stores, has formally denied liability. The fashion brand filed a cross-complaint in the same proceeding, asserting four counter-claims against Die Keure: breach of contract, intentional misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, and fraudulent concealment.

According to court filings summarized in a press statement distributed on November 13, 2026, the dispute centers on a commercial agreement for the production and distribution of custom hardcover publications. The complaint states that these books were designed as premium materials for brand-focused retail events rather than for routine internal administrative use.

Die Keure’s legal counsel, Jeffrey C. Mayes of the Los Angeles-based firm Druven PC, addressed the broader context of supplier relationships in the fashion industry in a statement accompanying the litigation announcement. "Companies devote enormous attention to the image they present to consumers," Mayes said. "That image depends on the work of publishers, printers, photographers, manufacturers, logistics providers, and countless other businesses operating behind the scenes. The question raised by this case is whether the values promoted in public communications are also reflected in commercial conduct."

The primary complaint filed by Die Keure asserts four causes of action against Citizens of Humanity. These include breach of contract, alleging that the fashion label failed to honor payment obligations after accepting delivery; breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, contending that the defendant’s actions deprived the plaintiff of expected financial benefits; account stated, asserting that an agreed balance remains due following invoicing; and unjust enrichment, seeking restitution on the grounds that the brand retained and utilized the publications without compensation.

In its cross-complaint, Citizens of Humanity acknowledges that an agreement existed for Die Keure to produce the hardcover books but disputes the terms and execution of that agreement. The apparel company’s filings suggest that the publisher engaged in misrepresentation or concealment during the production process. Die Keure has disputed these allegations.

The litigation highlights tensions between corporate branding statements and supplier payment practices. Citizens of Humanity’s corporate communications describe its business operations as being framed around core principles including integrity, responsibility, sustainability, community engagement, philanthropy, and a commitment to quality. Die Keure’s statement contends that suppliers, printers, artists, and logistics providers incur substantial upfront production and material expenses prior to delivering bespoke marketing materials. When payment disputes arise after delivery, the publisher argues that suppliers bear the financial burden of completed work while the commissioning brand holds the finished goods.

Through its civil action, Die Keure seeks judicial resolution of the outstanding balance and asserts that corporate responsibility encompasses commercial conduct toward third-party partners.

Drukkerij-Uitgeverij die Keure NV is headquartered in Bruges, Belgium, with an office in New York City. Originally founded after the Second World War as a government printing office, the enterprise expanded in the early 1960s to establish a dedicated legal publishing division. Alongside its commercial printing and graphic design operations, the company publishes academic textbooks and reference works focused on law and economics.

Citizens of Humanity was founded in 2003 and operates in domestic and international retail markets. The company frequently utilizes editorial publications and experiential retail events as part of its brand presentation strategy.

Both the primary complaint and the cross-complaint remain pending before the Los Angeles County Superior Court. No judicial findings of liability have been issued, and the allegations in both documents remain to be adjudicated.

Die Keure is represented in the California proceedings by attorneys Marco Castellon and Jeffrey C. Mayes of Druven PC. Public relations and strategic communications surrounding the filing are handled by Druven Advocacy, an international strategic consultancy operating across Los Angeles, Brussels, and Mexico City that advises organizations on legal, regulatory, and public affairs matters.

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