In contrast to the recent July 2008 French high court ruling against online marketplace eBay for the sale of counterfeit LVMH goods on its website, a US federal court has ruled in eBay’s favor in a suit brought on by luxury jeweler Tiffany.
On July 14, 2008, U.S. District Judge Richard Sullivan in New York found Tiffany responsible for policing its trademark on eBay.
"This ruling allows sellers of counterfeit goods on eBay to victimize consumers,” said Mark Aaron, a Tiffany vice president.
The lawsuit began in 2004 when Tiffany claimed that over 75 percent of Tiffany jewelry sold on eBay was counterfeit.
Nichola Sharp, an eBay spokeswoman countered, “The court ruling reaffirms we have been doing enough to keep counterfeits off the site.”
Important Links:
Court Clears eBay in Suit Over Counterfeit Goods, The New York Times
Tiffany and eBay in Fight Over Fakes, The New York Times
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