Intellectual Property Law

Gucci Sues Alleged Local Counterfeiters

By Michael Atkins

On May 27, Gucci America, Inc., filed suit against Cassandra Black, Cece’s Bargain Boutique, CecesBargainBoutique.com, and ten unknown persons for selling allegedly counterfeit Gucci merchandise.

The complaint alleges that Ms. Black is a resident of Kent, Wash. The defendants’ Web site describes Cece’s Bargain Boutique as a seller of “replica” merchandise (partial screen shot below).

The John Doe defendants are described as persons who reside or conduct business in this judicial district who are either “directly and personally contributing, inducing and engaging in the sale of counterfeit products” or are “directly engaging in the sale of counterfeit products” as “partners or suppliers to the named Defendants.”

The complaint alleges that “Gucci has discovered the Defendants are promoting and otherwise advertising, distributing, selling and/or offering for sale counterfeit products, including at least handbags and wallets bearing trademarks which are exact copies of one or more of the Gucci Marks….”

The defendants have not yet answered Gucci’s complaint.

The case cite is Gucci America, Inc. v. Black, No. 08-830 (W.D. Wash.) (Lasnik, J.).

Full post as published by Seattle Trademark Lawyer on June 02, 2008 (boomark / email).