Posted by Robin on 6 Comments
Since 2001 commercial use of the word Alhambra has been restricted to protect the reputation of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Patrono de la Alhambra y el Generalife, trustees of the monument, have approached the fashion house for an explanation and could seek legal action if no "mutually beneficial" arrangement is forthcoming.
— The Giorgio Armani brand apparently did not get permission to use the name Alhambra in their new Oranger Alhambra fragrance. Read more at the Telegraph.
Posted by Robin on 2 Comments
The decision reaffirmed eBay's argument that trademark holders such as Tiffany & Co., which sued four years ago, are responsible for policing the online marketplace for fake products, not eBay.
New York District Judge Richard Sullivan said eBay's isn't liable simply because it is generally aware that counterfeit goods are being sold on its Web site.
— From a case that was about jewelry, not perfume, but that is still of interest to anyone who has been watching the LVMH vs. eBay case in France (see part 1, part 2, part 3). Tiffany plans to appeal the US decision; read more at EBay wins counterfeit suit brought by Tiffany at the San Francisco Chronicle.
Posted by Robin on 12 Comments
The French Court of Appeals today denied eBay’s petition to stay an injunction issued June 30 by a Parisian court that requires eBay to halt all sales of four LVMH perfumes [Kenzo, Guerlain, Dior, Givenchy] over any site worldwide that is accessible from France, according to an eBay spokesperson.
[...] The lower court’s order bans not just sales of counterfeits, but sales of genuine bottles of these perfumes [...] According to lawyers for both sides, the injunction even forbids individuals from reselling genuine LVMH products that they received as gifts.
— Read more at Fortune Magazine's Legal Pad blog. And if you missed them, see part 1 and part 2.
Posted by Robin on 12 Comments
The court cited a need for sales expertise of luxury products at authorized retailers. You know, the men and women who are the "perfume spritzers," in department stores, who clamor to spray your wrist if you let them. They have a tough and obnoxious job, but according to the French Tribunal de Commerce, they are specifically trained and skilled at what they do. More believable was the need to protect a brand in a specific sales venue.
— Read commentary on yesterday's eBay ruling in the French courts at EBay ruling in France reeks of protectionism, at Market Watch.
Posted by Robin on 12 Comments
A French court on Monday ordered online auctioneer eBay to pay nearly 40 million euros in damages to Louis Vuitton for selling fake luxury goods, in a ruling cheered as a victory for copyright protection.
The Paris commercial court ruled in favour of six LVMH brands and also barred eBay from selling four perfumes -- Christian Dior, Kenzo, Givenchy and Guerlain -- on its websites.
— From eBay fined for selling fake Louis Vuitton goods online. As most of you know, perfume decants disappeared from eBay a little over a year ago; it will be interesting to see what happens next.