Report: Tiffany Goes After More Counterfeiters

In its ongoing assault against online counterfeiters, Tiffany & Co. is suing several China companies for selling copied versions of its jeweler and misrepresenting its brand, according to a report in the U.K.-based trade publication, Professional Jeweller.

The luxury retail jeweler has filed a lawsuit against Alice Don, Alice Huang, Fiona Jones, and four other China-based defendants, all of whom Tiffany claims are behind sites retailing counterfeit Tiffany-branded jewelry. They include domain names Tiffanyinthebox.com, tiffany4girls.com and pandoraoutlets.com., according to the report.

The suit filed by Tiffany in New York is claiming trademark infringement, trademark counterfeiting, false designation of origin, trademark dilution, and unfair competition, according to the report.

The New York-based company, in its complaint, reportedly says the websites sell counterfeit versions of its merchandise, which “not only copy the designs, patterns, and color schemes associated with Tiffany products, but also expressly identify the counterfeit products as ‘Tiffany’ and make unauthorized use of the trademark Tiffany name.”

According to the report, the defendants admit that the counterfeit products they offer for sale are not authentic, but are instead marketed as replica and less expensive versions of Tiffany jewelry.

Tiffany is asking the US court to ban the sites from selling counterfeit items while transferring their ownership to Tiffany, according to the report. The company is also asking for monetary damages.

In December 2010, Tiffany filed suit against three Chinese nationals and other unnamed defendants for operating 44 websites that offer counterfeit Tiffany products.

McQueen Stops Selling Hells Angels-Themed Merchandise

Alexander McQueen will stop selling its Hells Angels brass and silver knuckle duster rings.

It only took eight days for the folks at the Alexander McQueen brand and a couple of retailers to bend to the fierce pressure applied by the Hells Angels.

The notorious motorcycle gang has settled its trademark infringement lawsuit Tuesday against Alexander McQueen, Saks Fifth Avenue and Zappos.com over the sale of Alexander McQueen merchandise bearing the winged skull logo and the Hells Angels’ trademarked name, Women’s Wear Daily reports.

Under the terms of the agreement the three companies have removed the Alexander McQueen knuckle-duster rings, clutches, jacquard dress and pashmina, retailing for between $495 and $2,329, from their Web sites and stores, Hells Angeles attorney Fritz Clapp told WWD. The companies also agreed on Tuesday to recall merchandise that has already been sold and destroy it.

The Hells Angels also requested financial damages based on profits earned by the fashion companies on the merchandise, Clapp reportedly said. However, there is currently no estimate on the exact number of items that were sold.

Hells Angels Sue Alexander McQueen Over Skull and Wing Design

Alexander McQueen's ring that's under dispute by the Hells Angels.

There was a time when the Hells Angels would beat the piss out of anyone who they believed was stealing from them. Now they go to court.

The notorious motorcycle gang has filed a trademark infringement suit against the design brand Alexander McQueen and retailers who are selling the designers’ disputed products, according to media reports.

At issue is the skull design used for McQueen's Hell’s Knuckle brass and silver knuckle duster rings, Professional Jeweller reports. In addition, the suit is targeting a clutch bag, scarf and dress by the designer that feature a similar design.

The Hells Angels are claiming that Alexander McQueen used its patented skull and wing motif without permission. It is also suing Saks and online retailer Zappos.com that sell the items.

The motorcycle group registered patents for its motif in 1984 and has since authorized its use on clothing and jewelry for promotional purposes, according to Professional Jeweller. The suit claims Alexander McQueen did not receive permission.