Gucci has filed three federal lawsuits against Sam’s Club and Lord & Taylor with claims that they sold counterfeit products.
“After an extensive investigation, Gucci confirms it has taken legal action against Lord & Taylor, Sam’s Club and Century 21 for their role in marketing and selling counterfeit Gucci products,” the brand said in a statement. “Gucci remains committed to protecting its customers from retailers profiting from the sale of counterfeit goods.”
Adding that “Each year, Gucci spends millions of dollars on advertising to promote the goods and services offered under the Gucci marks in the United States. As a result of Gucci’s efforts and the appeal of the Gucci brand, Gucci sells high quantities of consumer goods annually in the United States.”
According to WWD, Gucci is suing for injunctive and monetary relief, alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition by Lord & Taylor and other unidentified individuals.
In 2020, Lord & Taylor relaunched with a new website after facing bankruptcy during the pandemic.
The brand claims that Lord & Taylor and other defendants “manufactured, advertised, offered for sale, sold, distributed, imported, and/or exported handbags bearing marks that are identical to or highly similar to the Gucci marks.”
Earlier this year, Gucci claimed to have purchased handbags from the Lord & Taylor website, including a red “GG Marmont Matelassé Camera Bag” priced at $1,555 and a black “GG Marmont Shoulder Bag” for $2,400.
“After purchase, Gucci examined the Counterfeit Products, and confirmed that they are non-genuine,” the suit said.
“In June 2023, Gucci notified defendants about the counterfeit products that are offered for sale on Lord & Taylor’s website.”
“Counsel for Lord & Taylor responded by admitting that it was aware that it was selling counterfeit products, but then failed to respond further to Gucci’s communications.”
Additionally, the brand is demanding that Lord & Taylor surrender counterfeit goods for “impoundment and eventual destruction, without compensation.”
According to reports, Sam’s Club and Century 21 are facing similar claims in Gucci’s legal actions.
In the Sam’s club lawsuit, Gucci claimed they purchased “two handbags from Sam’s Club’s website bearing the Gucci marks: one black handbag, which was referred to as the ‘Gucci GG Marmont Matelassé Mini Bag in Black’ and had a listed price of $1,100 on Sam’s Club website, and one pink handbag, which was referred to as the ‘Gucci GG Marmont Matelassé Mini Bag in Dusty Pink’ and had a listed price of $1,100 on Sam’s Club’s website.”
“We expect our suppliers to provide authentic, quality products that meet customers’ and members’ expectations. Once Gucci made us aware of their concerns, we removed these products from our clubs and website and connected Gucci with the suppliers. We will respond to the complaint in court as appropriate once we are served,” said a spokesperson from Sam’s Club.
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