Anna Delvey is Taking Walmart to Court

Anna Sorokin, better known to the world as Anna Delvey, has launched legal action against retail giant Walmart, accusing the company of profiting off her name and likeness without authorization. Sorokin, infamous for posing as a wealthy German heiress to con individuals and institutions, is now taking steps to ensure her name—and brand—are legally protected and financially beneficial to her alone.

A Case of Trademark Infringement

Through her attorney, Duncan Levin, Sorokin issued a cease-and-desist letter to Walmart, alleging that the company violated her federally registered trademark. Sorokin trademarked "Anna Delvey" after her release from prison to secure exclusive rights to market her name on various goods, including clothing. According to Levin, Walmart is selling items such as "Anna Delvey Sweatshirts," "Anna Delvey Foundation Hoodies," and other apparel featuring her name, all without her permission. These items, Sorokin claims, not only infringe upon her rights but also harm her carefully curated brand.

The cease-and-desist letter highlights at least 53 product listings on Walmart's website and app that allegedly misuse her name. The letter demands that Walmart remove the items immediately and provide data on their sales, including profits earned from these products. Sorokin’s legal team warned that failure to comply could lead to further legal action, including a lawsuit.

As of now, Walmart has not publicly responded to the allegations, but the stakes are high for Sorokin, who views her name as a valuable asset in her post-incarceration life.

From Con Artist to Businesswoman

Sorokin’s legal claim against Walmart marks a new chapter in her life, one centered on protecting her brand and reputation. Her name became a global phenomenon after her infamous con, which involved posing as a wealthy German heiress to gain access to New York’s elite social circles. Between 2013 and 2017, Sorokin scammed friends, luxury hotels, and financial institutions out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, often using promises of funding for an exclusive art foundation that never existed.

Her story captivated public attention, particularly after her arrest in 2017 and subsequent trial in 2019, where she was convicted on multiple counts of theft and grand larceny. Sorokin served nearly four years in prison before being released in 2021. Netflix adapted her story into the hit series Inventing Anna, further cementing her infamy.

Since her release, Sorokin has worked to reinvent herself, though not without controversy. She has paid off her debts—partially funded by the Netflix deal—and has made strides to capitalize on her notorious name. This includes ventures in fashion, plans for a fashion PR firm, and her active engagement on social media. Trademarking "Anna Delvey" is part of her broader effort to transition from a con artist to a legitimate entrepreneur.

Protecting Her Brand

Trademarking her name gives Sorokin exclusive rights to its use on clothing items, including hoodies, dresses, hats, and shirts. It also provides her with legal recourse against any unauthorized use of her name or likeness, as demonstrated by her action against Walmart. For Sorokin, who has expressed aspirations to build a legitimate business empire, controlling her brand is crucial.

Her attorney, Duncan Levin, emphasized the importance of this move, stating that Walmart's unauthorized products tarnish Sorokin’s brand and reputation. Sorokin’s case hinges on the fact that these products may mislead consumers into thinking they are officially endorsed or designed by her, potentially devaluing her trademark.

The Walmart Controversy

The cease-and-desist letter issued to Walmart is not just a legal maneuver—it’s also a statement about Sorokin’s seriousness in managing her brand. The letter accuses Walmart of profiting off her name without her consent and demands that the company take down the infringing products within 24 hours. It also requests that Walmart disclose detailed sales figures for the unauthorized items, which could potentially lead to claims for financial damages.

The controversy also underscores a larger issue in the fashion and retail industries: the use of names and images without proper authorization. Walmart, as one of the world’s largest retailers, has faced similar accusations in the past, raising questions about how intellectual property is respected in the world of fast fashion and mass-market goods.

A New Chapter for Anna Delvey

This legal action represents a stark departure from Sorokin’s past life as a fraudster. By trademarking her name and taking action to protect it, she is attempting to build a legitimate career based on her notoriety rather than her criminal exploits. While some critics question the ethics of monetizing a name associated with deceit, Sorokin appears determined to reclaim her narrative and build a more stable future.

Sorokin has also been vocal about her desire to leave her con artist persona behind. In recent interviews, she has discussed her plans to launch a fashion line, her experiences in prison, and her aspirations for personal and professional growth. The Walmart lawsuit is just one example of how she is leveraging her infamy as a business opportunity.

The Bigger Picture

Anna Delvey’s legal battle with Walmart is not just about intellectual property; it’s about redemption, reinvention, and control. For Sorokin, her name is her most valuable asset, and she’s determined to protect it. Whether this legal action will result in a settlement, a public apology, or a larger financial payout remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Anna Delvey is no longer just a headline—she’s a brand.

As Sorokin navigates this new chapter, her story continues to blur the lines between infamy and entrepreneurship, challenging the boundaries of what society considers legitimate success. Whether you view her as a savvy businesswoman or someone capitalizing on past misdeeds, Anna Delvey’s journey remains as captivating as ever.