AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
TechnologyOct 14, 2013
Brands win injunction in cyber counterfeiting case
Six brands under the Richemont Group umbrella recently scored a victory in what their attorney is calling a “landmark” case in the ongoing battle against an online sale of counterfeit luxury goods.
Los Angeles--Six brands under the Richemont Group umbrella recently scored a victory in what their attorney is calling a “landmark” case in the ongoing battle against the online sale of counterfeit luxury goods.
In a ruling dated Oct. 8, a judge in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California issued a summary judgment and permanent injunction against Saudi Arabia-based Sawabeh Information Services Co. (SISCOM) and Pakistan-based TradeKey (Pvt.) Ltd. effectively barring SISCOM-owned websites from selling merchandise bearing the Cartier, Montblanc, Panerai, A. Lange & Söhne, Chloè and Alfred Dunhill trademarks.
The brands’ attorney Susan M. Kayser, a partner at Jones Day in Washington, said the ruling is significant because, in the past, defendants in these types of cases argued that they couldn’t be held liable for counterfeit goods sold on their sites unless they received notice of a specific infringing listing.
One of the most well-known cases in this arena was the lengthy legal battle between Tiffany & Co. and online auction site eBay, a case in which the courts eventually ruled that eBay was not responsible for trademark violations when its users sold counterfeit Tiffany merchandise via the site.
“Our position was, you have knowledge,” Kayser said. “You have knowledge because you are aware of what’s going on on your website. You are allowing and facilitating these counterfeiters on this site and this can’t be allowed. You have to take responsibility for what’s on your website.”
“This is very different from Tiffany v. eBay. We think it’s a big victory for brand owners and consumers."
However, SISCOM’s attorney, Erik Syverson at Miller Barondess LLP in Los Angeles, said he and his clients completely disagree with the court’s ruling and, in their eyes, the case is not settled. He said they “considering all options” going forward.
“Followed to its logical conclusion, this ruling requires websites that permit user-generated advertising to proactively screen for infringing or counterfeit items listed for sale. That is not the law. The law has always required that trademark owners perform such a function,” he said.
According to court papers filed in the case, SISCOM owns TradeKey.com and the mirror sites SaudiCommerce.com and B2BFreeZone.com. These sites function as business-to-business websites that solicit wholesale buyers and sellers worldwide to become paying members and then help them to sell products en masse.
Tipped off by what Kayser described as the “pure magnitude” of
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
the operation, the Richemont Group brands first filed suit against SISCOM and TradeKey in 2011, as well as against 18 individual TradeKey member sellers.
Though none of the 18 individual sellers ever answered the complaint or appeared in court, the court granted a default judgment against these sellers in April 2012, granting “very broad” injunctive relief that prevented them from using the trademarks in any listing, forcing them to turn over their domain names and granting the brands a monetary award, said Kayser.
From there, she said the Richemont labels pursued their case against SISCOM and TradeKey.
According to court papers, an investigator hired by the brands found more than 6,000 sellers offering branded products on TradeKey.com, including more than 850 offering Panerai-branded goods, 500 selling Montblanc, 1,900 offering Cartier and at least two premium members with A. Lange & Söhne-branded goods.
None of the sellers were authorized by these companies to sell genuine goods bearing their trademarks, court papers state. In addition, the investigator actually purchased five Panerai, two Montblanc and four Cartier watches from a variety of sellers on TradeKey.com, and each of the brands confirmed that these products were fakes.
As of Monday afternoon, watches and jewelry under the trademarks Cartier, A. Lange & Söhne, Montblanc and Panerai appeared to have been removed from the sites.
A search for products under those brand names pulled up either blank pages or a message that read “This page has been permanently removed!” and a link to a Product Posting Policy.
While the court issued a permanent injunction and summary judgment, the judge deferred issuing any kind of monetary award in the case.
Kayser said they plan to move separately for damages at a later time. “The big thing here is we got incredibly broad injunctive relief, which is what the client wants,” she said.
Though none of the 18 individual sellers ever answered the complaint or appeared in court, the court granted a default judgment against these sellers in April 2012, granting “very broad” injunctive relief that prevented them from using the trademarks in any listing, forcing them to turn over their domain names and granting the brands a monetary award, said Kayser.
From there, she said the Richemont labels pursued their case against SISCOM and TradeKey.
According to court papers, an investigator hired by the brands found more than 6,000 sellers offering branded products on TradeKey.com, including more than 850 offering Panerai-branded goods, 500 selling Montblanc, 1,900 offering Cartier and at least two premium members with A. Lange & Söhne-branded goods.
None of the sellers were authorized by these companies to sell genuine goods bearing their trademarks, court papers state. In addition, the investigator actually purchased five Panerai, two Montblanc and four Cartier watches from a variety of sellers on TradeKey.com, and each of the brands confirmed that these products were fakes.
As of Monday afternoon, watches and jewelry under the trademarks Cartier, A. Lange & Söhne, Montblanc and Panerai appeared to have been removed from the sites.
A search for products under those brand names pulled up either blank pages or a message that read “This page has been permanently removed!” and a link to a Product Posting Policy.
While the court issued a permanent injunction and summary judgment, the judge deferred issuing any kind of monetary award in the case.
Kayser said they plan to move separately for damages at a later time. “The big thing here is we got incredibly broad injunctive relief, which is what the client wants,” she said.
More on Technology
The Latest
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
