Coach’s branded purse. Genuine article available at a Coach shops;
counterfeit version at local antique store, Coach’s complaint alleges
On Thursday, Coach, Inc., filed suit against a Snohomish, Wash., nostalgia and antique store for counterfeiting.
The suit, filed in the Western District of Washington, alleges that Pegasus Theater Shops and its owner have been selling handbags, wallets, sunglasses, reading glasses, cellular phone cases, and watches bearing Coach’s trademark, or a trademark that is indistinguishable from Coach’s “CC” logo, without Coach’s authorization.
The suit also names the shop’s owner individually. It alleges she is the “active, moving, conscious force behind the alleged infringing activities.”
The suit asserts claims for trademark infringement, trade dress infringement, false designation of origin, and unfair business practices.
The defendants have not yet filed an answer.
Counterfeiting claims are relatively rare in these parts, though obviously not unheard of.
The case cite is Coach, Inc. v. Pegasus Theater Shops, No. 12-1631 (W.D. Wash.).