Classic U.S. handbag brand Coach awarded $257million in internet counterfeiting case
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US handbag brand Coach, known for its signature chain print, is the latest luxury fashion house celebrating a defeat against counterfeiters who have made millions by ripping off their designs and selling them for cheap.
The latest victory hopes to put another significant dent in the online trade of imitation goods, a multi-billion dollar industry that has taken over from the street vendors of old.
The classic American brand was awarded $257million in damages making it one of the largest counterfeit suits in fashion beating Burberry and Hermes which both won $100million in cases earlier this year.
Glamorous actress Gwyneth Paltrow is the face of the luxury accessories brand
The money, however, has been acknowledged as holding largely symbolic value as recuperating all funds made by illegal online vendors would be almost impossible.
Coach will have the power to shut down over 570 domain names linked to websites that sell imitation Coach accessories and other goods but physically finding the operators and tracking down the money is another challenge.
A counterfeit 'Coach' bag ... or is it?
WWD reported
that the company will be able to seize any funds relating to sales that
have been held in Western Union and PayPal accounts.
In response to the recent victory, Todd Kahn, Coach's executive vice president and general counsel told the fashion daily: ‘The magnitude of this judgment underscores the severity and illegality of counterfeiting, and sends a clear message that our courts will enforce the law.’
This is the second counterfeiting lawsuit won by Coach this year.
In
July the company was awarded $44million after court condemned a New
York woman and daughter team for selling fake Coach goods from three
different websites run from their apartment.
Linda and Courtney Allen were charged with violating the brand's trademarks on 11 types of goods for a total of 22 separate infringements.
In March True Religion Apparel won a staggering $863.9million for a similar case of internet counterfeiting.
In May, winter boot super-brand Ugg Australia received $686million in damages
The official Coach company website features its latest collection of bright leather goods
.
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Coach is the McDonald's of designer bags - a must-have for the minivan driving suburban soccer mom looking to impress grocery clerks.- Suzanne , Columbus, United States XXXXXXXX Jealous, much? Coach bags are well made, classic (not flashy) designs, priced reasonably for the quality of the bag, and Coach has customer service that cannot be beat. A Coach bag will last a lifetime & is a good fashion investment. Just because you probably can't afford one don't put down those of us who like & invest in quality goods!
- Stormy , Penryn USA, 03/11/2012 00:34
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