consumer and retail – Fashion Law Watch

Anti-Money Laundering and Fashion

Oct 14 2024

Around the world, the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing is ramping up in response to the emergence of ever-more sophisticated criminal networks and infrastructure. The Financial Action Task Force, a global intergovernmental organisation, established a set of standards and provided recommendations to all governments to consider and implement for detecting and preventing money laundering. The Australian government has now introduced the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2024 (Bill) to parliament which proposes to overhaul Australia’s existing anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regime.

Levi Strauss Settles Trademark Dispute Over Pocket Tab on Jeans

May 13 2024

Levi Strauss continues enforcement of its Tab trademark against other fashion companies. On May 7, 2024, just a couple months after filing suit against Brunello Cucinelli, Levi Strauss voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit. Levi’s filed suit against the Italian luxury fashion brand in the Northern District of California in January 2024 alleging infringement of Levi’s rectangular pocket tab trademark. Levi’s dismissed the suit after reaching a confidential settlement.

Chanel Seeks Permanent Injunction Against WGACA

Apr 25 2024

The public legal dispute between luxury brand Chanel and luxury reseller What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA) continues with Chanel seeking a permanent injunction that WGACA argues is too broad. As previously reported, a New York jury previously awarded Chanel a US$4 million verdict against WGACA for sales of counterfeit Chanel-branded products Chanel, Inc. v. What Goes Around Comes Around, LLC, et al., 1:18-cv-02253 (SDNY).

Battle of the Bags: UNIQLO Sues SHEIN in Japan Over Viral Handbag Dupe

Feb 26 2024

In January 2024, UNIQLO CO., LTD. (UNIQLO) announced that it had filed a lawsuit before the Tokyo District Court against Roadget Business Pte. Ltd., Fashion Choice Pte. Ltd., and SHEIN Japan Co., Ltd. (collectively, SHEIN Parties). UNIQLO alleges that the SHEIN Parties have infringed Japan’s Unfair Competition Prevention Act by selling dupes of UNIQLO’s popular round mini shoulder bag, which went viral on TikTok last year due to its minimalistic, water-repellent exterior and ability to hold a surprisingly large volume of products for its size. UNIQLO is demanding that the SHEIN parties cease selling the dupe bags and pay damages incurred as a result of sale of the SHEIN Parties’ dupe products.

Victory for Chanel in Luxury Reseller Trial

Feb 09 2024

A New York federal jury sided in favor of Chanel on all of it claims against luxury reseller What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA), awarding Chanel US$4 million in statutory damages for sales of counterfeit Chanel-branded handbags. In Chanel, Inc. v. What Goes Around Comes Around, LLC, et al., 1:18-cv-02253 (SDNY), WGACA was found liable for trademark infringement, false association and unfair competition, and false advertising claims. The jury further found that WGACA acted willfully, with reckless disregard, or with willful blindness.

Best Practices for Preparing for and Responding to a “Dawn Raid”

Nov 20 2023

Recently, several fashion houses were raided by European Union antitrust regulators based on concerns that these companies may have violated laws against cartels and restrictive business practices. Relatedly, in the United States, the current administration has been very aggressive in its enforcement of antitrust laws with a new “Won’t Back Down” approach towards litigation and increased investigative activity. The current landscape should serve as a reminder why it’s important to, first and foremost, ensure compliance with the antitrust laws around the world, but also to be prepared should the government come knocking.

Up in Arms: Giorgio Armani Wins Trade Mark Battle Over Arman’s Fine Jewellery

Jun 22 2023

Luxury fashion brand Giorgio Armani has successfully prevented jewellery designer “Arman’s Fine Jewellery” from registering four trade marks containing “Arman” for jewellery goods and services.¹

Tag:consumer and retail