A lawsuit filed Wednesday in state district court by Eva Marosvari alleges the Meridian-based wickless candle company Scentsy used her idea for a product line but didn't compensate her for it.

Marosvari was an independent direct sales consultant responsible for about 50 sellers and was a friend of the company's top officials, according to her lawyers.

She claims she answered a Scentsy call for ideas in 2009 by pitching a stuffed-animal product line.

"In preparing to offer her children's product line to Scentsy, Eva designed a collection of [19] stuffed animals with names related to Scentsy scents and the framework for video games involving the Scentsy characters which, in keeping with the Scentsy theme of warmers as safe alternatives to candles, promoted fire safety for children," the lawsuit said.

She named them "Scentzanimals."

Company managers asked her to develop the idea, included her in discussions about using it, then marketed it in mid-2010 as “Scentsy Buddies,” she claims.

Marosvari said Scentsy management ignored her attempts at an official business and compensation arrangement. Scentsy lawyers told her the company’s policy was not to pay for ideas, she said.

"We're saddened to learn that one of our current consultants feels legal action is necessary to address concerns she has," said Susan Rowe, a spokeswoman for Scentsy. "The company is committed to treating our consultants fairly and as valued contributors to the success of our company."

Marosvari’s Boise lawyer, Chuck Peterson, said she trusted the company and is “disappointed ... and feels betrayed” by Scentsy officials. “When they took her idea, they (implicitly) agreed to pay for it,” said Bryan Ulmer, Marosvari’s lawyer in Wyoming.

Audrey Dutton: 377-6448