Louis Vuitton steps up accessories revamp with new designer

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Darren Spaziani

LOUIS VUITTON has hired Proenza Schouler accessories designer Darren Spaziani as part of the luxury brand's efforts to reposition itself as more exclusive and upmarket reports Reuters, 25 September 2013.

Louis Vuitton, the world's biggest luxury brand and part of French group LVMH, has been trying to become more elitist after suffering a dip in demand for the 600-700 euros ($810-$940) logo-embossed canvas bags on which it built its profitability.

Earlier this month, a survey of store managers showed its new and pricer bags, such as the 3,500-euro Capucines, were flying off the shelves at European fashion capitals, signalling that the strategy was starting to bear fruit.

Louis Vuitton Capucines bag

Louis Vuitton said Spaziani would create new collections made with "leather of the highest quality".

Delphine Arnault, daughter of LVMH Chief Executive Bernard Arnault and recently appointed No.2 at Louis Vuitton, on Tuesday described Spaziani as "one of the most talented designers of his generation".

"He knows the maison well and will bring modern vision and professionalism to Louis Vuitton's creations," Arnault added in a statement.

Spaziani, 38, who graduated from the elite fashion school London's Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion, worked for Louis Vuitton from 2004 to 2006.

As well as Proenza Schouler, he has previously worked as accessories design director at Balenciaga, part of Kering, in Paris and did consulting work for Diane von Furstenberg and Tory Burch in New York.

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Content thanks: Reuters

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U.S., China team up to seize counterfeit goods in joint operation

WASHINGTON, July 31 (Reuters) - The United States and China have joined forces in a combined operation to crack down on counterfeit goods, seizing more than 243,000 fake electronics products, including popular consumer items made by Apple, Samsung, Dr Dre and Blackberry.

* Biggest bilateral customs effort ever - U.S. agency says

* China accounts for 72 percent of intellectual property right seizures

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the month-long operation was the biggest bilateral customs enforcement effort ever conducted by the United States. It focused on seizures of goods in ports as they were exported from China or imported into the United States.

While the operation resulted in only one arrest, U.S. officials said they see it as a sign that the Beijing government is finally acting on their complaints of Chinese theft of intellectual property.

The two countries agreed in recent high-level talks that they would work together to try to stem the large quantities of fake goods flowing between China and the United States.

"The theft of intellectual property is a global problem and cross-border efforts are needed to fight it," said Thomas Winkowski, the acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection.

"Robust enforcement of intellectual property rights allows innovators and creators - whether in a small start-up or an international corporation - to profit from their efforts and gives consumers confidence in the reputations of the products they buy."

China is the primary source of counterfeit and pirated goods in the United States and accounts for 72 percent of all seizures relating to intellectual property rights, according to the U.S. agency's fiscal 2012 statistics.

Theft of intellectual property rights costs U.S. businesses $320 billion a year, equivalent to the annual value of U.S. exports to Asia, according to a report by the Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property, a group of former U.S. officials.

GLOBAL PROBLEM

China's Vice Minister of the General Administration of China Customs, Zou Zhiwu, said both countries need to work together to effectively curb the movement of counterfeit products.

"IPR infringement is a global issue involving not only the process of production and export, but also that of import and circulation," he said. "Enforcement agencies around the world should work more closely to crack down (on) these illegal activities."

The operation took place at ports in the United States and China. The main U.S. ports involved were Anchorage, Cincinnati, Los Angeles and Newark. In China the primary ports were Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen.

Chinese and American customs officials did not work together physically, but acted on shared information and tips, officials said.

The single arrest was that of an American citizen who imported counterfeit Dr Dre headphones and sold them on Craigslist. He was arrested in the New Orleans area after Chinese customs passed on a tip to U.S. officials.

"The fight against criminal counterfeiters overseas presents a great deal of challenges to U.S. law enforcement," said Daniel Ragsdale, deputy director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. "But it is a fight we are committed to and through the international partnerships we forge with foreign customs and law enforcement agencies, we are making an impact."

the largest previous bilateral operation conducted by the United States was with French Customs over a six-month period. In that operation, officials made 470 seizures of electronic components like semiconductors, memory cards and computer storage devices.

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Content friend: Reuters

Number Of Counterfeit Fashion Seizures Down

COUNTERFEIT fashion seizures has gone down, according to a recent report from WWD. According to a report by US customs released last week (January 2013).  Fewer counterfeit fashion and apparel products were seized in 2012 than in 2011. Officials intercepted sales of 7,800 fake apparel goods worth up to $133 million (£87.3 million) in 2012, according to a report by . In comparison, a total of 8,094 clothing items valued at $142.3 million (£90 million) were seized in 2011.

Additionally, for the fiscal year 2012, US customs seized $511.2 million (£321.8 million) worth of fake handbags and wallets; $186.9 million (£117.7 million) worth of counterfeit watches and jewellery; and $103.3 million (£65 million) worth of  footwear.  A total of 697 websites facilitating the sale of counterfeit goods were taken down over the last 12 months.  China is named as the number-one source of imitation products.

"As online commerce continues to expand, we are seeing more international criminal organisations exploiting cyberspace to further their criminal enterprises," said Lev Kubiak, director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Centre. "Websites are increasingly the front end or entry point for consumers, businesses and criminal organisations to the international supply chain."

Our own intelligence supports Lev Kubiak findings that websites are indeed increasingly the front end or entry point for consumers and urge the public that as counterfeits have become more sophisticated that luxury authentication is still one of the most successful ways to minimise the risk of being duped out of your hard earned money.


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Italian police seize £40m Bvlgari assets

Italian police have seized €46m worth of Bvlgari assets, including the jeweller’s flagship Roman store, in a tax evasion probe.

Police said their investigations focused on Paolo and Nicola Bvlgari, grandsons of the founder of the jeweller,

Italian Police seized assets worth €46m (£40m) from the upmarket jeweller Bvlgari today in a tax evasion inquiry.

The investigation centres on Paolo and Nicola Bvlgari, sons of the founder of the brand, and Francesco Trapani, the brothers’ nephew and chief executive of the group, as well as their lawyer Maurizio Valentini.

The men are accused of making “fraudulent declarations” in relation to €3bn worth of revenues.

Nicola Bulgari

The police allege the four men made “fraudulent declarations” related to €3bn worth of revenues from 2006 to 2011, before LVMH bought Bvlgari for €3.7bn. The focus of their investigations is the use of holding companies in the Netherlands and Ireland through which the group funnelled revenues, according to the police. No arrests have been made.

A statement from the Bvlgari holding company said it was “extremely surprised” by the allegations. “Bvlgari will take all the necessary steps to clarify its position,” it added.

“The investigations have brought to light a true ‘escape strategy’ to avoid Italian taxes and in particular tougher rules that were introduced from January 1 2006 related to the taxation of dividends,” the police said in a statement.

Bulgari is not the first luxury goods group to come into the sights of the Italian tax police.
Italian police in November confiscated €65m of assets, including a 15th century castle, from the Marzotto family and its business associates over suspected tax evasion connected to the 2007 sale of the Valentino luxury brand.

The Bvlgari family members sold their controlling stake in the Roman house to LVMH in March 2011 in an all-share deal.

LVMH’s offer put about a 60 per cent premium on the company making the deal, which was 10 years in the making, one of the sector’s most expensive.

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Guess Wins Trademark Suit in Italy

GUESS Inc. reigned victorious in its second trademark faceoff against luxury giants Gucci in Italy.

An Italian court in Milan rejected Guccio Gucci SpA’s claim that Guess had violated several of its trademarks and even took the step of canceling three of the marks Gucci had registered for Italy and the European Community. Gucci said it will “certainly bring an appeal.”

It’s a win for Guess, after Gucci prevailed last May (see Delortae Agency Report as early as last April) in federal court in Manhattan on a suit raising ostensibly the same issues. Gucci won a qualified victory, when the court awarded it only $4.7 million in damages, a fraction of the more than $221 million it sought.

The Milan decision, an 83-page verdict made public Friday, serves to cancel the diamond pattern, G logo and “Flora” pattern trademarks previously registered by Gucci in Italy and the EU, noting specifically that the “Flora” logo is “not distinct.” Additionally, the court held that Guess’s Quattro G-diamond pattern isn’t related to Gucci’s interlocking double-G pattern.

Guess sought the nullification of the designs in a counter claim following the 2009 filing of the suits in New York and Milan by Gucci.

Gucci bottom and Guess above

A Guess spokeswoman confirmed that Gucci’s other suits against Guess in both China and France are ongoing.

Paul Marciano, chief executive officer of Guess, commented, “In my opinion, the three-year battle in New York and four years in Milan was a result of massive and unnecessary litigation that should have been easily resolved with a simple phone call, which Gucci never made.”

Marciano continued, “The tactics of Gucci are nothing less than bullying. Because of their endless resources, Gucci has been forum shopping all over the world to try and stop Guess from expanding its successful accessories business. It’s fundamentally wrong and unconscionable.”

Gucci described the use of a number of G-based logos by Guess as “unlawful and parasitic free-riding on Gucci’s trademark and, in general, its brand image.”

Gucci said it would “certainly bring an appeal against the above decision, which in its view is potentially dangerous for the protection of ‘Made in Italy.’ In particular, Gucci will ask that the Court of Appeals entirely set aside said decision, by granting both its trademark infringement and unfair competition claims against Guess.”

Pier Luigi Roncaglia, of the Italian law firm Studio Legale SIB, which provided outside counsel for Gucci, said that the trademark matter was secondary in the decision and that the marks were generally not being used by the brand.

“The important aspect of the decision was unfair competition,” he told WWD. “Our main argument, and the one that was recognized in the case in New York, was that those marks were associated with the reputation of Gucci and that Guess was trying to get a free ride based on Gucci’s reputation. That was the core of the litigation and the judge [in Milan] ignored the decision in the U.S., which essentially said that Guess didn’t independently create those designs. That will be the basis for our appeal and the strongest argument for a reversal of the decision.”

Daniel Petrocelli of the law firm O’Melveny & Myers LLP, which has provided outside counsel for Guess for many years, asserted, “This case was heard in the birthplace of Gucci and the bottom line is that every single one of its claims was rejected and Guess’ counterclaim was granted.”

He said that Gucci and Guess were still waiting for the scheduling of cases in China and France.

A trademark attorney not involved in the case, Robert Tucker, a partner at Tucker & Latifi LLP in New York, said, “That a court in New York and another in Milan came down with different findings on the same issue is not unusual. Gucci was probably buoyed by the decision in New York and figured it had a slam-dunk in Italy, where it would enjoy hometown advantage.

“These two companies shouldn’t be litigating,” he said. “Any time it’s one titan versus another, it’s really important to look at the downside.”

With words like  “unlawful and parasitic free-riding on Gucci’s trademark and, in general, its brand image.” being banded about, this is sure to be a case that will continue and we will certainly follow every word!

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Model-Turned-Lawyer Sues D&G Over Tit-For-Tat Pics UPDATE

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana

BASSIL A. HAMIDEH model-turned-lawyer brought another lawsuit against the North American division of Italian design house, Dolce & Gabbana, in a Los Angeles court recently. He claims the company misappropriated an image of him from a 2002 D&G ad campaign. Hamideh filed a publicity rights lawsuit against D&G last year in state court in California. According to his most recent complaint (which he filed this week 05/03/2013), a month after Hamideh filed suit in 2012, D&G immediately acted against him, subsequently using an image of him in a Facebook campaign without his authorisation.

Both lawsuits are pending. Hamideh began practicing law in 2008 after appearing on the cover of L'Uomo Vogue and in a Hugo Boss campaign in 1995, in addition to the 2002 Dolce & Gabbana ad at issue

Dolce & Gabbana USA Inc. retaliated against Hamideh who sued the Italian designing duo for unauthorised use of a client’s image by using the 10-year-old photographs of the lawyer without his permission, according to a lawsuit filed in California state court.

Bassil A. Hamideh, who is represented by Johnson & Johnson LLP in this case, alleges D&G published images of him in a 2012 Facebook campaign, well after their rights expired and one month after Hamideh filed a publicity rights suit against the company on behalf of another model.

Bassil A. Hamideh

If Hamideh is victorious in his lawsuit, it could mean poetic justice for a former male model who, still smarting from alleged abuse by one of the fashion industry's top purveyors, became a lawyer in order “to protect models from such malfeasance.”

“Disheartened by the rampant abuse of models' rights and the systematic unauthorised use of their images and likeness throughout the industry, [Hamideh] became a lawyer so that he could protect models from defendants like Dolce Gabbana,” the suit claims.

In 2002, D&G hired and photographed Hamideh — a familiar resident of Los Angeles, according to the suit — for a “country chic” advertising campaign that also featured supermodel Giselle Bundchen. D&G's rights to Hamideh's likeness ended Dec. 31, 2003, he claims.

In April 2012, Hamideh represented actor-model Christian Monzon in a lawsuit over D&G's alleged unauthorised use of Monzon's image in advertising materials for Dolce Gabbana Classico Fragrance. The suit was eventually dismissed.

The month after Hamideh filed the Monzon suit, D&G allegedly used images of Hamideh from the 2002-03 country chic campaign to promote new products on the company’s Facebook page — even though the rights to them had expired more than eight years earlier.

The model-turned-lawyer said Monday that he believes D&G misappropriated images of him as part of a retaliation scheme stemming from the Monzon lawsuit. Hamideh claims he has suffered emotional and economic distress over the incident.

“People may be led to believe that Hamideh has abandoned his crusade to protect models and 'sold out' or aligned himself with the other side,” the complaint argued.

Hamideh said the act constitutes oppression, fraud and malice, and claims D&G has gained financially from using the images illegally.

Johnson & Johnson attorney Douglas L. Johnson called D&G’s alleged retaliation scheme “a low blow.”

“I was disappointed that they would do this to a lawyer who spent quite a bit of time changing his career path to become an advocate for models’ rights,” he said.

Hamideh is seeking actual, punitive and statutory damages; injunctive relief; restitution; disgorgement of profits from unauthorised use; a constructive trust; attorneys' fees and costs; and litigation costs.

A representative for the defendant wasn’t immediately available for comment Tuesday.

Hamideh is represented by Douglas L. Johnson and Neville L. Johnson of Johnson & Johnson LLP.

Counsel information for the defendants was not immediately available.

The lawsuit is Bassil A. Hamideh v. Dolce & Gabbana, case No. BC502164, in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles.

Still with Dolce & Gabbana fined 344 million euros by Italian Fiscal Authorities to deal with, sources close to the design house duo feel that this is something that has still a long way to run, will keep you posted.

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Dolce & Gabbana fined 344 million euros by Italian Fiscal Authorities

DOLCE and GABBANA in the ongoing legal battle over alleged fiscal fraud, Italian Fiscal Police has fined Dolce and Gabbana with 344 million euros, a much lower fine than the 800 million euro, initially anticipated.

The trial has been opened by Italian authorities over Dolce & Gabbana’s alleged fiscal fraud to avoid paying taxes through an entity which the designer duo (also majority owners) set up in Luxembourg in 2004 with the aim of cashing royalty fees.

Dolce and Gabbana Luxemburg sarl was the owner of Gado, which would hold the brand royalties for Dolce and Gabbana. The company, has since, re-structured and re-organized its entire business under one holding company, refuting accusations by the Italian Fiscal Police as unfounded.

Stefano Gabbana, Lionel Messi & Domenico Dolce

If that was not enough, the designer duo still have the matter of Model-Turned-Lawyer Sues D&G Over Tit-For-Tat Pics UPDATE to deal with.

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Pic credit: Dolce and Gabbana

Chanel Ordered To Pay Out in Counterfeit Case!

Chanel, London

The luxury fashion house of CHANEL has been ordered Friday to pay £258,000 (€2000,000) knitwear company World Tricot as part of a long-running counterfeiting suit between the two brands.

French luxury house Chanel "counterfeit" a former subcontractor Lure, World Tricot, who continued seven years seven years to combat principle.

What makes this case interesting is World Tricot, one of Chanel's former suppliers, accused the French fashion house of copying one of its designs back in 2009 - a white crochet pattern. Putting the luxury fashion house the other side of the counterfeit fence, having been the subject of mass counterfeit targets.

The Court of Appeal found that the pattern of the jacket is "a slavish copy of the sample belonging to the World Tricot society" and that it was "founded to support the embroidery issue is a collective work created initiative within the company.

Workshops World Tricot Lure Company. Jacques Balthazard Archives

The founder of World Tricot, Carmen Colle, claimed since she recognized in the window of a Chanel boutique in Tokyo crochet pattern she had proposed to brand in 2004 but it was finally rejected, despite their initial enthusiasm.

"It was not a fight against Chanel but for the right of creative artisans," responded Mrs. Paste that could not hold back his tears discovering decision.

His lawyer Pascal Créhange welcomed "a judgment that will set a precedent": "It is a way of recognizing the creativity of all those who, in the shadow of their workshop, have imagination."


"It does justice to the small hands that have more expertise," added his colleague Ms. Hortense Bessière.

Chanel said in a statement that it had not yet decided on a possible appeal. The statement goes on to say, it always claimed to have "guided" World Tricot in creating the pattern.

World Tricot clothing, accusing Chanel cotnrefaçon, November 6, 2009 in Paris © AFP / File / Patrick Kovarik

"We have never faced a situation like this before, knowing that we work with around 400 suppliers. This very specific case does not reflect the quality of our relationships with our suppliers, "said Bruno Pavlovsky, president of Chanel fashion business.

Combat Ms. Colle, who had managed to make a small business work reintegration of women in difficulty for the big names in haute couture, met many supporters in France.

The former host of neighbourhood could not help thinking Friday to "mess" of the seven years of litigation, "all doors closed" since she was attacked Chanel, she says. World Tricot is in liquidation.

At trial, the court sentenced him to pay Chanel World Tricot 400,000 euros compensation for breach of contract that bound them. The Court of Appeal rejected this time the subcontractor on this point.

Alure (Haute-Saône) where the adventure started World Tricot in the late 1980s, with the financial assistance of Abbe Pierre and Secours Catholique, Ms. Colle stimulus gradually a new workshop will present his first collection this week weekend in the small town of Franche-Comté.

In April 2010, a "charter of good practices" was signed between luxury homes and converters, to "rebuild relations" between contractors and subcontractors.

Reaction Chanel puts this case "very specific"

The fashion house Chanel relativized Friday appealed his conviction for infringement of a small subcontractor, World Tricot, after seven years of litigation, emphasising the new and "very specific" in this case.

"We have never faced a situation like this before, knowing that we work with around 400 suppliers. This very specific case does not reflect the quality of our relationships with our suppliers, "said Bruno Pavlovsky, head of the branch mode Chanel.

Chanel said they would decide "soon" whether or not it appeals to the Supreme Court.

"This story is bad. This is a misunderstanding concerning a sample hook and the first court had recognised our role in creation ", told AFP service communication Chanel.

"Chanel is working nearly 400 suppliers and most over 15 years, some for over 30 years," he added, noting that "the case with World Tricot is very specific, very technical and completely new ".

Chanel was pleased however to have prevailed on the issue of trade relations with Knitting World: The Paris Court of Appeal did not consider that Chanel had broken so offending trade links with World Tricot, contrary to the judgment of first instance. "It is important for our image with suppliers," said Chanel.

The house will still have to pay 200,000 euros in damages to World Tricot infringement.

In December 2011, the Paris Commercial Court had dismissed World Tricot on charges of forgery and was ordered to pay 200,000 euros in compensation to Chanel for "clear defamation" brand. But he was also sentenced to pay Chanel World Tricot 400,000 euros compensation for breach of contract that bound them.

Have we heard the last of this we think probably not. Have your say.

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Additional content thanks Lalsace France

The Comité Colbert launches new anti-counterfeiting campaign

New campaign slogan

Yes, you read correctly. According the recently released Press Notice from COMITÉ COLBERÍÈQQ    Press release May 30, 2012.


Following on from Delortae Agency earlier blog post French Luxury Brands Fighting back against Counterfeits The Comité Colbert launches new anti-counterfeiting campaign to add a little more luxury muscle to the campaign to support luxury counterfeiting. Do we love it? Yes we do.


Buy a fake Cartier, get a genuine criminal record” “With this phone, you better be ready to call your lawyer! “Real ladies don ’t like fake” “Are you ready to unravel this one? “A bet on the wrong horse can be very expensive” “Counteifeits are no bed of roses” “Lucky charm? Unlucky at customs”.


Seven new tag lines were launched by the chairmen of companies belonging to the Comité Colbert, known to use humour as a way to get travellers’ attention. Ten thousand posters will be displayed in French airports, courtesy of French Customs as well as to partnerships developed by the Comité Colbert with the French airport authority, Air France and the urban furniture specialist J.C. Decaux.


Longchamp and Van Cleef & Arpels have joined ranks with Cartier, Chanel, Christian Dior, Lacoste and Louis Vuitton, involved for years in this initiative conducted under the auspices of the French national anti­counterfeiting committee (CNAC). And the initiative has proven effective: Consumers in France are more aware than those in
other EU countries that common European laws exist to protect intellectual property rights (84% of respondents in France, which ranked first among EU countries, according to a Eurobarometer survey in 2009).

Given the magnitude of trafficking, the Comité Colbert continues to give top priority to the
fight against counterfeiting. In France, the number of knock­offs seized by Customs went from 200,000 in 1994 to 8.9 million in 201 l. It is estimated that counterfeiting costs the French economy between 30,000 and 40,000 jobs a year and 6 billion euros in losses. The number of counterfeit products sold online and seized by Customs has grown exponentially, increasing by a factor of nearly 20 in five years.

“The protection of intellectual properly rights makes it possible to grow competitive French businesses and safeguard French jobs. The combat of the Comite’ Colbert, which is of long date, illustrates the luxury sector’s commitment to the fight against counterfeiting to protect our know-how ana’ creation,” declares Elisabeth Ponsolle des Portes, President and CEO of the Comité Colbert.

The campaign has been taken up elsewhere in Europe: the Customs administrations in six other EU countries have adopted it to raise awareness among their citizens. There are now local language versions in Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Romania, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

For luxury authentic products & services, visit http://www.luxuryonlinestore.net

FBI takes down major counterfeit operation based out of China

The spread of counterfeit goods has become global in recent years, with the Internet being seen as a lucrative source to sell imitation products.

As part of an attempt to combat the selling and distribution of fake goods, the U.S. Department of Justice has seized more than $1.5 million in profits from the sales of fake sportswear manufactured in China.

The seizure of the money came as the result of an investigation into the sale of counterfeit items on commercial websites, which, according to a press release from the Department of Justice, also resulted in the seizure of three domain names used in the sale of the counterfeit sports goods.

The funds were detained from interbank accounts and six money service business accounts.

A Chinese Operation Dismantled

As court documents state, the individuals involved in the distribution of the fake goods conducted sales and processed payments using money service business accounts and then wired proceeds to bank accounts held at a Chinese bank.

According to the DoP press release, the developments into combating online counterfeit crime follow quickly on the heels of another FBI success last month, when the FBI seized more than $890,000 in fake sports apparel being sold on commercial websites.

These latest developments in fighting Internet counterfeit crime are part of a new law enforcement initiative by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known as Operation In Our Sites.

Operation In Our Sites was launched in June 2010 that aims to “target the sale of counterfeit goods and intellectual property piracy on the Internet.” (

Four months following its launch, the federal law enforcement initiative rolled out on Cyber Monday – a term created by companies to persuade people to shop online – when, according to a Forbes report, 82 websites were seized during the Cyber Monday-related operation.

Taking Out Counterfeit Operations

The Staggering Costs of Chinese Counterfeiting

According to ABC News, Chinese counterfeiting costs foreign companies an estimated $20 billion a year in lost profits.

ABC News went undercover to reveal China’s huge counterfeit industry, and found that there is an amazing variety in counterfeit goods, ranging from the latest DVDs to the latest versions of software.

Following an inspection of a pair of ski gloves, emblazoned with a prominent North Face label, Charles Scholz, a genuine “fake buster” and the Asia director for the security consulting company, Kroll Associates, who is regularly hired by international corporations to ‘root out’ counterfeiters, told ABC News:

“The tag is real, the product is not.”

He told ABC News that not only would the gloves not keep you dry, but “…if you buy this, you get soaked.”

While U.S. officials are conducting large operations to combat online counterfeit crime, which is costing foreign companies an estimated $20 billion a year in lost profits, officials are still reluctant to attempt to shut it down completely, as the counterfeit business itself creates millions of jobs during a time when jobs are badly needed.

As Charles Scholz told ABC News:

“Actually, trying to put a stop to it [Chinese counterfeiting] is going to take some fundamental changes in the society and economy here.” 

During the Cyber Monday operation, federal agents made undercover online purchases of designer and sports items such as golf equipment, handbags, sunglasses, footwear and sports jerseys, all of which were purchased from online retailers that were suspected of selling counterfeit items.

As suspected, all of the items featured fake labels and trademarks.

In February this year, in the biggest seizure to date under Operations In Our Site, federal authorities announced they had seized and shut down 307 domains, 16 of which were allegedly involved in selling unauthorised and fake sports goods, including National Football League paraphernalia.

To date, a total of 761 domain names have been seized from websites used in the sale and distribution of either counterfeit goods or illegally copied works as a result of Operation In Our Sites.

In conversations about counterfeit items being sold, the issue of China crops up regularly. The general belief is that China seems to be the biggest culprit when it comes to producing and selling fake goods.

That belief is somewhat justified by the relentless flow of reports emerging involving Chinese counterfeit items, such as the recent announcement by the Department of Justice about the detainment of proceeds from the sale of counterfeit sports apparel that had been manufactured in China.

Content thanks to Top Secret Writers

References & Image Credits:
Justice.gov
Forbes
Wired
ABC News
ABC News Radio
LA Times

French luxury brands fighting back against counterfeits

FRENCH luxury brand from Chanel to Louis Vuitton have recently launched a campaign with several European countries, to fight back against the increasingly high number of counterfeits that are killing our industry.

It is now secret that Delortae Agency is committed to brand protection and we can confirm first hand that the global market on counterfeits. Largely due to Asia where 85 percent of articles seized in Europe are produced and the increasing popularity of on-line shops that give the buyer a sense of anonymity and impunity.

To fight the scourge, the Comite Colbert grouping 75 French luxury goods makers including Dior, Cartier and Remy Martin, is launching a poster campaign in French airports ahead of the summer to dissuade travellers from buying fakes.

"You can call your lawyer with this telephone,'' reads one of the posters, above a picture of a counterfeit Chanel mobile.

France has the toughest anti-counterfeit legislation in the world, explains Comite Colbert boss Elisabeth Ponsolle des Portes, with simply possessing a counterfeit good here considered a crime since 1994.
"In France you can be fined up to 300,000 euros and jailed for three years'' if you own counterfeit goods, the posters say.

The Comite Colbert has staged campaigns every two years since 1995, but this time Italy, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Croatia are getting involved, with their customs officers able to use the posters for free.

Ponsolle des Portes hopes that more countries will get on board. "This is important for Europe, in terms of jobs,'' she said.

Counterfeit seizures doubled in Europe between 2009 and 2010, reaching 103 million items worth 1.1 billion euros ($1.37 billion), with customs officers themselves often unable to tell the fake from the real.
And according to 2009 Eurobarometer statistics, 22 percent of EU citizens have unknowingly bought counterfeit goods.

As home to many of the world's best known luxury brands, France is particularly exposed. Fake goods cost the economy 30,000 jobs and six billion euros in lost revenues every year, according to the Comite Colbert.
Clothes, sunglasses, perfume, cosmetics, leather goods, half the 8.9 million counterfeit articles seized in France in 2011 were luxury goods, with Louis Vuitton products the most copied.

Globally the underground fake goods economy is booming thanks to Internet shopping, as testified to by the increasing number of items seized in postal sorting offices.

Which is why the Comite Colbert now wants to get the cooperation of banking groups and payment handlers, such as Mastercard, Visa, American Express and PayPal, to track the illegal trade online.

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additional content thanks to Herald Sun

Barbour buys search ads to fight counterfeit goods

Summary: Barbour the British clothing manufacturer selling luxury goods including the iconic waxed jacket has taken steps to fight the flow of fake goods appearing at the top of search results.

Barbour the British clothing manufacturer selling luxury goods including the iconic waxed jacket has taken steps to fight the flow of fake goods appearing at the top of search results.

It has taken out paid adverts in Google. If you search for Fake Barbour, the top link directs you to the Barbour Official Sellers Site. The headline reads:

Don’t Get Caught Buying Fakes, See Our free Fake Guide.

The next link points to Barbours Counterfeit Education site with a list of fake Barbour sites and information how to tell the difference between a real Barbour and a fake item.

The brand which was founded in the UK in 1894 sells a range of jackets coats, sweaters and other clothing. The wax jackets last for many years — I’ve had mine for almost 20 years now and it is still waterproof. I’m in good company too. The Queen wears Barbour.

Brand innovation

“Protecting our customers and our brand is of paramount importance to us,” says Steve Buck, managing director at Barbour. “We always advise customers to buy only from approved Barbour stockists and we believe that this approach will really help get the message across.”

Barbour is leading the way with this initiative. Searches for other luxury brands such as Gucci, Versace, Ugg and Louis Vuitton show various results. Links include information how to spot a fake item but there are no links pointing to the brand web site.

It would be good to see brands that are also plagued with fake items flooding the market to adopt a similar approach. You wouldn’t want your fake boots to be made with something that has been skinned alive would you?

With cheap fake goods, you often get what you pay for…

For luxury authentic goods visit http://www.luxuryonlinestore.net

thanks Eileen Brown

Delortae Agency, launch a luxury authentic on line store in the UK

Delortae Agency, launch a luxury authentic on line store in the UK. THE UK’s leading independent fashion designer authentication and appraisal specialist, and leading luxury authentic handbag SPA is pleased to announce they have launched a luxury authentic on line store in the UK.

Delortae Agency, THE Authentic Designer Bag Care Resource Portal, is pleased to announce that it has launched a luxury authentic on line store in the UK.  Delortae Agency is letting consumers buy luxury authentic apparel and accessories from top brand designers at discounted prices.

The Delortae Agency luxuryonlinestore.net Web site offers access to women’s and men’s luxury apparel and accessories from a growing list of fine vintage and consignment stores across the world targeting all lovers of authentic designer apparel and accessories. The online store’s items are culled from the most trusted and reputable consignment venues across the world.

“Delortae Agency’s goal is to bring the best rare, limited edition, hard to acquire and discontinued pieces from trusted consignment suppliers throughout the world to one place,” said Brendalee Lambert, founder of Delortae Agency “It’s a unique model with a specific focus on luxury authentic designer fashion and accessories.

“What truly sets Delortae Agency luxuryonlnestore.net apart is our trusted reputation as the UK’s leading independent luxury designer authentication and appraisal specialist,” she said. “Delortae Agency exclusive UK Luxury Designer Resource Portal brings quick and easy desktop access to favourite consignment items together with our luxury authentic handbag SPA, sole UK distribution of luxury authentic handbag care product range and full range of exclusive luxury services worldwide. As a company, we are continually looking at ways we can add and improve the current range of products and services we offer clients, no other UK company does more for the luxury authentic designer community. 

“Buyers don’t have to travel across town or get on a plane to search for a coveted find.”

The e-commerce destination is located at http://www.luxuryonlinestore.net to purchase items, consumers can join exclusive Gold Membership which offers buyers more benefits.

Delortae Agency luxuryonlinestore.net features clothing and accessories from Marc Jacobs, YSL, Chloe, Chanel, Hermés, Miu Miu, Fendi Louis Vuitton and other designers

For example, the site currently has Hermes Louis Vuitton and Celine handbags for sale.

Marketing plans include extensive media outreach including broadcast, print, social media and blog coverage, Ms. Lambert said.

“Media outreach will also be coupled with a strong luxury networking campaign, and a robust search engine optimization and marketing strategy,” she said.

Delortae Agency 

In addition, Delortae Agency has also announced "designer-to-consumer" (D2C) integrated site for limited edition or custom-made clothes will soon be added. Along with this consumers will be able to shop new arrivals by designer, season, style, colour, price, size or condition.

Additionally, consumers will also be able to consign their luxury authentic items for re sale through the site, safely and securely.

 “One of the most challenging aspects of buying online is having the confidence that your item is 100 per cent authentic,” Ms. Lambert said. “All Delortae Agency’s luxuryonlinestore.net suppliers are invited or hand-selected into the community for their niche concentration on authentic products and verified by our own authentication in house panel. We are, in fact, providing consumers with peace of mind,” she said. “Buyers know our items have been vetted by our own experienced authentication team prior to listing. 

About Delortae Agency
the UK’s leading independent fashion designer authentication and appraisal specialist. Trusted supplier of luxury Authentic new and pre owned merchandise. The UK’s principal Luxury Authentic Handbag SPA, specialist. Delortae Agency offers a growing range of Designer Handbag Leather Care products including the complete MyBagSpa and Apple Leather Care range, to help authentic bag lovers prolong their handbag investments. Central London based, Head Office in Cambridgeshire, also ship worldwide. http://luxuryonlinestore.net