How do you protect your brand if hundreds of Chinese websites are selling knockoffs of your premium-denim jeans?
If you're True Religion, you take them to court and win a nearly $900 million judgment.
Last year, True Religion sued 106 defendants representing 282 Chinese websites that carried names such as TrueReglionJeans4Outlet.com, TrueReligion2Cheap.com and CheaperTrueReligionJeans.net. After making buys on the websites and verifying that the jeans were fakes, True Religion sued in U.S. District Court in New York to shut down the websites.
In a March 12 default judgment, Judge Harold Baer ruled that the websites were willfully counterfeiting the True Religion trademark and needed to shut down and pay up.
Deborah Greaves, in-house counsel for True Religion, said the Los Angeles company doesn't really expect to collect all that money. But it was able to disable the websites and collect money from their PayPal accounts, which might be enough to cover attorneys' fees.
However, as soon as True Religion shutters one website, another 20 pop up. “It's like whack a mole,” said Greaves, who has been very aggressive in protecting the True Religion brand ever since she was hired by the company in 2007. “You just have to hope that after a while, when we chase them and disable them and make it difficult to do business, they will decide there is another brand they can focus on that won't give them as much grief. Honestly, we can't give up. What are we going to do? Roll over and let them destroy the brand, or fight?”
Greaves was speaking at a panel on protecting brand names and dealing with counterfeiting. It was held April 19 in Vernon, Calif., and organized by the California Fashion Association, a Los Angeles trade group representing the apparel and textile industry in California.
Joining Greaves on the panel were attorneys Mark Brutzkus of Ezra Brutzkus Gubner; Michelle Cooke of Steptoe & Johnson; Jeffrey Kapor of Buchalter Nemer; and Gregory Weisman of Ritholz, Levy, Sanders, Chidekel & Fields. Also joining the panel was Kevin Sullivan, executive vice president at Wells Fargo Capital Finance, and Ilse Metchek, president of the California Fashion Association.
Going to the Web
Metchek noted that the top three counterfeit purchases these days are music, movies and brand-name clothing. Fake products now represent 5 percent to 7 percent of all global trade.
About 25 percent of people who purchase fake goods know they are counterfeit. Another 73 percent bought the knockoffs just because they were there. “There are a lot of people buying fake Louis Vuitton bags who don't know who he is,” Metchek said.
2012年4月27日星期五
2012年4月26日星期四
Avril's fashion is fit for royalty
A THRIFT shop in Witham that sells bespoke items has gained national interest after featuring in an article about Kate Middleton's wardrobe.
Avril Beattie, 64, owns The Dressing Room in Maldon Road.
Having worked there for eight years, she bought the shop in 2009 and set it up as a dress agency.
Recently the fashionable grandmother-of-four received a call from The Sun, who wanted to feature her in a story to do with Kate Middleton's trendy outfits bought from similar shops.
Since appearing in the paper, Mrs Beattie has received calls from Look magazine, as well as various other publications.
She has also been approached by buyers from London who are looking to take a trip to Witham just to take a look at her designer goods.
Mrs Beattie said: "They phoned me recently and said they were going to do this article on Kate and had chosen a number of shops to feature. Mine was one of them. I expected a one-liner but they used a picture and put in all the details."
The concept behind a dress agency is that all the products are new or nearly new but can be found at a percentage of the original price due to them being out of season or secondhand.
But Mrs Beattie, who has always worked in the fashion industry, is keen to emphasise the quality of her products.
She said: "I don't do anything less than high street or designer.
"Everything has to come in on the hanger, pressed, and nothing is over three years old."
Some of her favourite pieces include Anoushka G dresses and a range of designer handbags.
"Our biggest seller is bags – we do Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Mulberry and quite a bit of LK Bennett," she said.
Avril Beattie, 64, owns The Dressing Room in Maldon Road.
Having worked there for eight years, she bought the shop in 2009 and set it up as a dress agency.
Recently the fashionable grandmother-of-four received a call from The Sun, who wanted to feature her in a story to do with Kate Middleton's trendy outfits bought from similar shops.
Since appearing in the paper, Mrs Beattie has received calls from Look magazine, as well as various other publications.
She has also been approached by buyers from London who are looking to take a trip to Witham just to take a look at her designer goods.
Mrs Beattie said: "They phoned me recently and said they were going to do this article on Kate and had chosen a number of shops to feature. Mine was one of them. I expected a one-liner but they used a picture and put in all the details."
The concept behind a dress agency is that all the products are new or nearly new but can be found at a percentage of the original price due to them being out of season or secondhand.
But Mrs Beattie, who has always worked in the fashion industry, is keen to emphasise the quality of her products.
She said: "I don't do anything less than high street or designer.
"Everything has to come in on the hanger, pressed, and nothing is over three years old."
Some of her favourite pieces include Anoushka G dresses and a range of designer handbags.
"Our biggest seller is bags – we do Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Mulberry and quite a bit of LK Bennett," she said.
2012年4月25日星期三
Coach pinning hopes on rosy China growth
U.S. luxury handbag maker Coach Inc. continues to pin its hopes on booming luxury goods consumption in China, where its sales grew almost 60 percent year-on-year in its fiscal third-quarter earnings.
China has been a big strategic initiative for Coach, and sales have been rising healthily, according to Lew Frankfort, chief executive officer of the company.
Frankfort said he expects the Chinese market to gradually turn in annual revenue of at least $300 million, and that Coach would aim to tap into the men's luxury goods market in the coming years.
"We expect to broadly expand the presence of our men's products in the North American market, starting from the current 42 stores by end of Q3 to around 100," the Beijing Business News quoted Frankfort as saying.
For the quarter ended March 31, Coach reported a profit of $225 million, or 77 cents a share, up from $186 million, or 62 cents, a year earlier. Sales jumped 17 percent to $1.11 billion.
Sales were up 10 percent in Japan, on a constant-currency basis.
China, which the company calls its largest geographic growth opportunity, saw sales bolstered by distribution growth and double-digit same-store sales. Indirect sales rose 10 percent to $125 million.
Chinese consumer spending on luxury items remains relatively unscathed by a projected slowdown in economic growth and overlapping uncertainties in the global market, drawing in luxury brands including Coach, Prada and LV to cash in on the growing number of college-educated, well-dressed Chinese individuals with large enough disposable incomes.
French luxury goods giant LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA is looking for new ways to reach luxury consumers in Asia, having launched a Chinese-language version of its editorial-only platform nowness.com.
China has been a big strategic initiative for Coach, and sales have been rising healthily, according to Lew Frankfort, chief executive officer of the company.
Frankfort said he expects the Chinese market to gradually turn in annual revenue of at least $300 million, and that Coach would aim to tap into the men's luxury goods market in the coming years.
"We expect to broadly expand the presence of our men's products in the North American market, starting from the current 42 stores by end of Q3 to around 100," the Beijing Business News quoted Frankfort as saying.
For the quarter ended March 31, Coach reported a profit of $225 million, or 77 cents a share, up from $186 million, or 62 cents, a year earlier. Sales jumped 17 percent to $1.11 billion.
Sales were up 10 percent in Japan, on a constant-currency basis.
China, which the company calls its largest geographic growth opportunity, saw sales bolstered by distribution growth and double-digit same-store sales. Indirect sales rose 10 percent to $125 million.
Chinese consumer spending on luxury items remains relatively unscathed by a projected slowdown in economic growth and overlapping uncertainties in the global market, drawing in luxury brands including Coach, Prada and LV to cash in on the growing number of college-educated, well-dressed Chinese individuals with large enough disposable incomes.
French luxury goods giant LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA is looking for new ways to reach luxury consumers in Asia, having launched a Chinese-language version of its editorial-only platform nowness.com.
2012年4月19日星期四
5 Reasons Why Men's Designer Bags Are More Reliable Than Bags From Walmart
We all know that times are financially difficult right now, so the last thing that you may be worried about it is a new designer handbag. However, there's no denying that men's handbags are in, and you may be thinking that you want or need one. Fortunately, Walmart is there to solve this conundrum.
Then again, there's that old saying, “You get what you pay for,” which pretty much applies to anything that you purchase. While it may not seem obvious at first, it also applies to men's bags. While shopping at Walmart for necessary items could be an option for you, picking up a bag there isn't. I mean, would you seriously buy a suit from Walmart? I didn't think so.
Without further ado, here are five reasons that designer men's bags are more reliable than ones found at Walmart.
5. Uniqueness
For starters, many designer handbags are manufactured in limited quantities and have a trademark style that can even be personalized. Most people can spot that trademark and immediately know which designer created it (think Louis Vuitton). Also, designer bags come in a variety of styles and sizes that can fit your personal fashion and needs.
Men's bags found at Walmart are obviously not unique, since they are massed produced and have been bought by many consumers. Instead of owning a unique bag that suits you, you're left with a run-of-the-mill-bag that hasn't been made to fit your needs.
4. Available Warranty
Since designer bags are made of superior products, many designer bag companies offer a warranty on their products, or at least free repairs for a given time. You may even be fortunate enough to find one that has a limited lifetime warranty.
Many of the men's bags found at Walmart offer no warranties. You may be lucky enough to find one there that offers a one-year warranty, if that. Generally, if the bag you purchased there has any problems, you're probably stuck with it. Or forced to purchase a new one from, I don't know, maybe Walmart.
3. Longevity
Since designer men's bags are made from quality materials and craftsmanship, they're bound to last for a long time, even if they're exposed to the elements. If taken care of properly, it could be an item that you could have for the rest of your life or even pass down.
Since bags from Walmart aren't made from superior materials, it's a given that they won't last as long as designer bags. Even if you take care of a Walmart bag, it just won't hold up.
2. Craftsmanship
Designer men's bags are not mass-produced. Because of this, they are created precisely with special attention to each and every detail. This includes everything from the design to the lining in the interior pockets. But, more importantly, you most likely won't find a single flaw in the stitching or the cutting of the material used. Since the labor is meticulous for each bag, it will definitely have an effect on the retail price.
Bags at Walmart, however, are mass-produced in countries with low-wage workers, like China. Because of this, the amount of craftsmanship that goes into them is little to none. Most likely, that men's bag from Walmart was made in a sweatshop by someone with no experience in the craftsmanship of bags.
1. Quality, Not Quantity
Designers strive for their products to have the best quality. It doesn't matter if the bag is made out of leather, suede, or cotton; you can be certain that the materials are nothing less than 100% genuine and top quality. This includes everything, even the zippers, chains, strap rings, and buckles.
The idea behind Walmart's stores is mass-production for the masses. This is why their products are cheaper. However, to mass-produce a product, they have to skimp on the materials being used. Which means an all-around cheap product.
Sure, it may be tempting to buy a much cheaper bag at Walmart than to splurge on a designer men's bag, but it will cost you more in the long run. Ultimately, you'll be left with a cheaper looking bag that won't last.
Then again, there's that old saying, “You get what you pay for,” which pretty much applies to anything that you purchase. While it may not seem obvious at first, it also applies to men's bags. While shopping at Walmart for necessary items could be an option for you, picking up a bag there isn't. I mean, would you seriously buy a suit from Walmart? I didn't think so.
Without further ado, here are five reasons that designer men's bags are more reliable than ones found at Walmart.
5. Uniqueness
For starters, many designer handbags are manufactured in limited quantities and have a trademark style that can even be personalized. Most people can spot that trademark and immediately know which designer created it (think Louis Vuitton). Also, designer bags come in a variety of styles and sizes that can fit your personal fashion and needs.
Men's bags found at Walmart are obviously not unique, since they are massed produced and have been bought by many consumers. Instead of owning a unique bag that suits you, you're left with a run-of-the-mill-bag that hasn't been made to fit your needs.
4. Available Warranty
Since designer bags are made of superior products, many designer bag companies offer a warranty on their products, or at least free repairs for a given time. You may even be fortunate enough to find one that has a limited lifetime warranty.
Many of the men's bags found at Walmart offer no warranties. You may be lucky enough to find one there that offers a one-year warranty, if that. Generally, if the bag you purchased there has any problems, you're probably stuck with it. Or forced to purchase a new one from, I don't know, maybe Walmart.
3. Longevity
Since designer men's bags are made from quality materials and craftsmanship, they're bound to last for a long time, even if they're exposed to the elements. If taken care of properly, it could be an item that you could have for the rest of your life or even pass down.
Since bags from Walmart aren't made from superior materials, it's a given that they won't last as long as designer bags. Even if you take care of a Walmart bag, it just won't hold up.
2. Craftsmanship
Designer men's bags are not mass-produced. Because of this, they are created precisely with special attention to each and every detail. This includes everything from the design to the lining in the interior pockets. But, more importantly, you most likely won't find a single flaw in the stitching or the cutting of the material used. Since the labor is meticulous for each bag, it will definitely have an effect on the retail price.
Bags at Walmart, however, are mass-produced in countries with low-wage workers, like China. Because of this, the amount of craftsmanship that goes into them is little to none. Most likely, that men's bag from Walmart was made in a sweatshop by someone with no experience in the craftsmanship of bags.
1. Quality, Not Quantity
Designers strive for their products to have the best quality. It doesn't matter if the bag is made out of leather, suede, or cotton; you can be certain that the materials are nothing less than 100% genuine and top quality. This includes everything, even the zippers, chains, strap rings, and buckles.
The idea behind Walmart's stores is mass-production for the masses. This is why their products are cheaper. However, to mass-produce a product, they have to skimp on the materials being used. Which means an all-around cheap product.
Sure, it may be tempting to buy a much cheaper bag at Walmart than to splurge on a designer men's bag, but it will cost you more in the long run. Ultimately, you'll be left with a cheaper looking bag that won't last.
2012年4月18日星期三
Louis Vuitton Wins Lawsuit Against Chinese Counterfeit Empire
The U.S. International Trade Commission has ruled in favor of Louis Vuitton in a counterfeiting lawsuit after 15 months of investigation. The French house filed a suit against several companies for allegedly importing and selling designs with the iconic Toile Monogram marks.
According to WWD, the case is centered around an elaborate enterprise allegedly run by Jianyong Zheng and Alice Bei Wang. The pair owned and managed several companies, including T&T Handbag Industrial Co. Ltd. and Sanjiu Leather Co. Ltd. in Guangzhou, China, Meada Corp. and Pacpro Inc. in El Monte, California, and Trendy Creations in Chatsworth, California. Two other companies, The Inspired Bagger in Dallas, Texas and House of Bags in Los Angeles, allegedly bought fake Louis Vuitton bags from Zheng and Wang and are also involved in the suit.
Louis Vuitton's global intellectual property director Valerie Sonnier said that the ruling is significant in protecting the brand: "As the first luxury goods company to seek redress at the ITC, we are pleased with the significant remedy that has been recommended. The chief administrative law judge recognizes the importance of protecting intellectual property and took the welcome step of ensuring that its orders include all merchandise that infringes on our Toile Monogram Marks, and not just products of the respondents in this case."
Although the ITC has ruled in their favor, Vuitton is "seeking a permanent exclusion order against the importation of the infringing products, as well as a cease-and-desist order against the companies." That decision is yet to be made.
According to WWD, the case is centered around an elaborate enterprise allegedly run by Jianyong Zheng and Alice Bei Wang. The pair owned and managed several companies, including T&T Handbag Industrial Co. Ltd. and Sanjiu Leather Co. Ltd. in Guangzhou, China, Meada Corp. and Pacpro Inc. in El Monte, California, and Trendy Creations in Chatsworth, California. Two other companies, The Inspired Bagger in Dallas, Texas and House of Bags in Los Angeles, allegedly bought fake Louis Vuitton bags from Zheng and Wang and are also involved in the suit.
Louis Vuitton's global intellectual property director Valerie Sonnier said that the ruling is significant in protecting the brand: "As the first luxury goods company to seek redress at the ITC, we are pleased with the significant remedy that has been recommended. The chief administrative law judge recognizes the importance of protecting intellectual property and took the welcome step of ensuring that its orders include all merchandise that infringes on our Toile Monogram Marks, and not just products of the respondents in this case."
Although the ITC has ruled in their favor, Vuitton is "seeking a permanent exclusion order against the importation of the infringing products, as well as a cease-and-desist order against the companies." That decision is yet to be made.
2012年4月17日星期二
Sania Mirza hits ace with fashion makeover
She may not be the brightest star on the tennis circuit currently, but Sania Mirza is surely making waves on what is an altogether new front for her.
Trashed ruthlessly for her garish fashion sense over the years, Sania now seems to have developed a more elegant and flattering dressing style.
On Sunday night, the tennis player was seen in a refreshing casual chic avatar at a movie theatre in Mumbai. Looking cosy on the arm of cricketer-husband Shoaib Malik, Sania wore a pair of dark denims, which she teamed with a pop art T-shirt, a trendy white cape and thong sandals.
To add a touch of glamour to her otherwise informal look, the 25-year-old flashed her large diamond solitaires with a bright red patent leather Louis Vuitton bag and a matching belt reaffirming her status as a rising fashionista.
Sania also seems to have lost more than a few kilos and all her baby fat, looking svelte and toned, maybe even a little underweight and gaunt - as compared to what she used to be.
While in the past, she has often impressed the fashion police with her sporty chic look and trendy little tennis skirts on the court, her disastrous off- court appearances almost always served to negate her efforts and had her ending up all too often on the fashion faux pas list.
Her choice of traditional Indian wear, especially during her wedding in April 2010, didn't work in her favour either. Fashion designers criticised just about everything about her get- up, from her choice of jewellery, colour palette to the silhouettes.
Whether it's thanks to hubby Shoaib or all the free time on her hands, Sania's slow and steady makeover in the style department is for all to see. A blessing for us as gone are her ill- fitted jeans, unsightly tight T-shirts, dreadful accessories and over- the- top make- up.
If she continues in her glamorous endeavour, Sania may soon help swell India's WAG (Wives and Girlfriends of sports personalities, for the uninitiated) club, which currently boasts of just one member, Mahesh Bhupathi's better half Lara Dutta.
Trashed ruthlessly for her garish fashion sense over the years, Sania now seems to have developed a more elegant and flattering dressing style.
On Sunday night, the tennis player was seen in a refreshing casual chic avatar at a movie theatre in Mumbai. Looking cosy on the arm of cricketer-husband Shoaib Malik, Sania wore a pair of dark denims, which she teamed with a pop art T-shirt, a trendy white cape and thong sandals.
To add a touch of glamour to her otherwise informal look, the 25-year-old flashed her large diamond solitaires with a bright red patent leather Louis Vuitton bag and a matching belt reaffirming her status as a rising fashionista.
Sania also seems to have lost more than a few kilos and all her baby fat, looking svelte and toned, maybe even a little underweight and gaunt - as compared to what she used to be.
While in the past, she has often impressed the fashion police with her sporty chic look and trendy little tennis skirts on the court, her disastrous off- court appearances almost always served to negate her efforts and had her ending up all too often on the fashion faux pas list.
Her choice of traditional Indian wear, especially during her wedding in April 2010, didn't work in her favour either. Fashion designers criticised just about everything about her get- up, from her choice of jewellery, colour palette to the silhouettes.
Whether it's thanks to hubby Shoaib or all the free time on her hands, Sania's slow and steady makeover in the style department is for all to see. A blessing for us as gone are her ill- fitted jeans, unsightly tight T-shirts, dreadful accessories and over- the- top make- up.
If she continues in her glamorous endeavour, Sania may soon help swell India's WAG (Wives and Girlfriends of sports personalities, for the uninitiated) club, which currently boasts of just one member, Mahesh Bhupathi's better half Lara Dutta.
2012年4月16日星期一
Sania Mirza finally makes it in the fashion stakes after a makeover
She may not be the brightest star on the tennis circuit currently, but Sania Mirza is surely making waves on what is an altogether new front for her.
Trashed ruthlessly for her garish fashion sense over the years, Sania now seems to have developed a more elegant and flattering dressing style.
On Sunday night, the tennis player was seen in a refreshing casual chic avatar at a movie theatre in Mumbai.
Looking cosy on the arm of cricketer-husband Shoaib Malik, Sania wore a pair of dark denims, which she teamed with a pop art T-shirt, a trendy white cape and thong sandals.
To add a touch of glamour to her otherwise informal look, the 25- year-old flashed her large diamond solitaires with a bright red patent leather Louis Vuitton bag and a matching belt reaffirming her status as a rising fashionista.
Sania also seems to have lost more than a few kilos and all her baby fat, looking svelte and toned, maybe even a little underweight and gaunt - as compared to what she used to be.
While in the past, she has often impressed the fashion police with her sporty chic look and trendy little tennis skirts on the court, her disastrous off-court appearances almost always served to negate her efforts and had her ending up all too often on the fashion faux pas list.
Her choice of traditional Indian wear, especially during her wedding in April 2010, didn't work in her favour either.
Fashion designers criticised just about everything about her get-up, from her choice of jewellery, colour palette to the silhouettes.
2012: Sporting a trendy cape, diamond solitaires and an LV bag on Sunday
Whether it's thanks to hubby Shoaib or all the free time on her hands, Sania's slow and steady makeover in the style department is for all to see. A blessing for us as gone are her ill-fitted jeans, unsightly tight T-shirts, dreadful accessories and over-the-top make-up.
If she continues in her glamorous endeavour, Sania may soon help swell India's WAG (Wives and Girlfriends of sports personalities, for the uninitiated) club, which currently boasts of just one member, Mahesh Bhupathi's better half Lara Dutta.
Trashed ruthlessly for her garish fashion sense over the years, Sania now seems to have developed a more elegant and flattering dressing style.
On Sunday night, the tennis player was seen in a refreshing casual chic avatar at a movie theatre in Mumbai.
Looking cosy on the arm of cricketer-husband Shoaib Malik, Sania wore a pair of dark denims, which she teamed with a pop art T-shirt, a trendy white cape and thong sandals.
To add a touch of glamour to her otherwise informal look, the 25- year-old flashed her large diamond solitaires with a bright red patent leather Louis Vuitton bag and a matching belt reaffirming her status as a rising fashionista.
Sania also seems to have lost more than a few kilos and all her baby fat, looking svelte and toned, maybe even a little underweight and gaunt - as compared to what she used to be.
While in the past, she has often impressed the fashion police with her sporty chic look and trendy little tennis skirts on the court, her disastrous off-court appearances almost always served to negate her efforts and had her ending up all too often on the fashion faux pas list.
Her choice of traditional Indian wear, especially during her wedding in April 2010, didn't work in her favour either.
Fashion designers criticised just about everything about her get-up, from her choice of jewellery, colour palette to the silhouettes.
2012: Sporting a trendy cape, diamond solitaires and an LV bag on Sunday
Whether it's thanks to hubby Shoaib or all the free time on her hands, Sania's slow and steady makeover in the style department is for all to see. A blessing for us as gone are her ill-fitted jeans, unsightly tight T-shirts, dreadful accessories and over-the-top make-up.
If she continues in her glamorous endeavour, Sania may soon help swell India's WAG (Wives and Girlfriends of sports personalities, for the uninitiated) club, which currently boasts of just one member, Mahesh Bhupathi's better half Lara Dutta.
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