Tiffany & Co. this week criticised the decision by the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit that allows eBay to continue to sell counterfeit TIFFANY products on its website. While the decision leaves room to establish Tiffany’s claims for false advertising, it leaves in place a prior ruling that allows eBay to profit from counterfeit sales. This decision will not help innocent consumers who are being victimised by illegal e-commerce practices.
"Obviously Tiffany is very disappointed by the decision. As an e-commerce leader, eBay has a responsibility to protect consumers and promote trust in its marketplace," said Michael J Kowalski, chairman and CEO of Tiffany & Co. "eBay knew that counterfeit merchandise was being sold on its site – and eBay took no effective steps to stop it. eBay deliberately misled consumers for profit, and unfortunately, the court has justified its actions. The consumer is the real loser today."
Tiffany’s attorneys are performing a full review of the decision and will consider an appeal to the US Supreme Court.
(Source: Tiffany & Co.)