Ralph Lauren shuts down island counterfeiters
Legal challenge to Mauritian store chain
February 5 2004
Upmarket fashion brand Ralph Lauren has won a legal loophole to close down hundreds of outlets on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius which sold counterfeit versions of its products.
Local clothes manufacturers had registered Polo, Ralph Lauren’s flagship brand, as a trademark on Mauritius. The islands, once a hideaway for the old fashioned type of pirate, attract thousands of high spending tourists every year.
The counterfeiters originally trademarked the Ralph Lauren name as well, but in 2000 the government removed its from the trademark register, leaving no-one with the rights.
Ralph Lauren has now won an injunction against 400 shops using the company’s trademark illegally, with more than 400 outlets closed down and goods seized.
Textile workshops on Mauritius also act as suppliers for many major fashion brands, and designer goods are widely available on the island at prices well below the norm.
Polo Ralph Lauren has announced a 17 per cent decline in third-quarter earnings hit by restructuring charges as well as unfavourable exchange rates. Sales at constant exchange rates increased.
Chairman and chief executive Ralph Lauren said: “Our success continues to be driven by our own specialty stores and in better department stores, which have the right mix of products, strong customer service and a clear point of view.
“We know that at the core of our success is the ability to attract customers through exciting products, strong merchandising and dramatic advertising and marketing.”
The company operates 265 stores including the Ralph Lauren, Club Monaco and Polo Jeans brands.
