Trademark infringement case

Trademark infringement case

Costco facing penalties over Tiffany trademark

Costco wholesale has intentionally infringed Tiffany & Co.’s trademarks by selling counterfeit diamond engagement rings bearing the luxury retailer’s name and must face a jury trial to assess damages.

Judge Laura Taylor Swain rejected claims by Costco that Tiffany’s trademarks were invalid because they sought to prevent others from using the word Tiffany as a generic description of a type of ring setting. Instead Swain said evidence established that Costco had infringed Tiffany’s trademarks by selling engagement rings and confused consumers by using the word Tiffany in display-case signs.

Tiffany now may take Costco before a jury to seek damages, including a recovery of Costco’s profits from the sale of the rings and punitive damages.

By Ethan Turner

Yr 11 Pupil Thornden School Southampton

Trademarks

Trademark

Trade mark