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Retail Establishments and Wholesale Distributors Targeted
NEW YORK, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Lacoste USA today announced the seizure
of more than $1 million worth of counterfeit Lacoste merchandise in raids
conducted as part of a sweep of retail and wholesale businesses across Puerto
Rico. The surprise raids netted counterfeit dress shirts, knit polo shirts,
sweatsuits, hats and jeans, as well as other counterfeit Lacoste merchandise.
As a result of this latest crackdown lawsuits have been filed against 27
defendants.
The raids, in 19 locations in Carolina, Ponce, Bayamon, and other cities
were conducted with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service in Puerto
Rico. Lacoste was granted a restraining order and injunction from the U.S.
District Court for Puerto Rico, authorizing the company to seize the
counterfeit fashion items. A hearing before the court held today granted
Lacoste preliminary injunction against the defendants.
"Were sending a strong message to counterfeiters in the U.S. and its
territories," said Robert Siegel, Chairman & CEO of Lacoste in the US. "We
intend to aggressively police our brand and protect it from the work of
counterfeiters who harm both the legitimate merchant and the consumer. We will
work with the authorities to seek out and prosecute trademark violators
wherever they operate.
"Without a doubt, the high quality and workmanship embodied in genuine
Lacoste product is not duplicated in the counterfeit apparel," Mr. Siegel
added.
As Lacostes popularity has soared, so too have the attempts at
manufacturing counterfeit product. Lacoste has aggressively enforced its
intellectual property rights in the United States and around the world and
continues to take action against those who illegally use the crocodile
trademark.
The only authorized means by which Lacoste offers its merchandise for sale
are: (1) Lacoste boutiques; (2) Lacoste outlets; (3) authorized department
stores; (4) authorized specialty stores; (5) corporate accounts. Lacoste DOES
NOT offer its merchandise for sale through individuals, street vendors, house
parties or unauthorized retail locations.
The LACOSTE legend began with French tennis champion Rene Lacoste. In 1933
he revolutionized mens sportswear with a short-sleeved collared shirt that
featured a crocodile on the left breast -- the first time a logo was ever used
on the outside of a shirt. Seventy years later his legacy is the "World of
Lacoste," with 40 boutiques operating in the United States and ten more set to
open in 2006, bringing the total to 50. The expansive collection consists of
luxury sportswear for men, women and children, as well as footwear, fragrances
and other products that are designed with the same quality, comfort and
relaxed elegance on which the brand name was built.
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