Luxe Firms Trademark Suit

Gucci America, Balenciaga Corp. France and Bottega Veneta International have filed a trademark counterfeiting and infringement lawsuit against Hetty Feldman Palant in federal court in South Florida.In a separate but related lawsuit, Chanel Inc. has charged Palant with trademark infringement in the same court. Chanel also filed a trademark counterfeiting lawsuit in a Houston court last week against Sheryl Maslar and John Maslar.In the Florida cases, the luxury companies alleged that Palant, who does business as Designs by Hetty, allegedly sold counterfeit goods bearing their trademarks. The complaints accused Palant of selling handbags, wallets, sunglasses, makeup bags, scarves, watches, belts, hair accessories, blouses and costume jewelry.

I do feel that Gucci America, Balenciaga Corp., Bottega Veneta, and Chanel all have the right to sue Hetty Feldman. Designs by Hetty allegedly sold counterfeit goods bearing these companies trademarks. In doing this designs by Hetty, are confusing the public and they might think that these goods are in fact the real thing. I think what designs by Hetty is doing is wrong and unfair competition to the companies who have worked hard to establish a good brand name. I hope that these companies win the lawsuit to set an example to counterfeiters that it is not right.

Article in WWD

By: Lauren Parolin