Franck Muller USA Wins Court Battle
Franck Muller USA, Inc., the full authorized importer and wholesale distributor of Franck Muller eyees in the affiliated States, Canada, and the Caribbean, is claiming victory in a trademark and forgeryright infringement court battle with Elini Designs.
In a statement, Franck Muller USA said that a federal court in Manhattan has issued final judgments in a settlement agreement between the particleies, "which bars Elini Designs Corp. and Elini BVBA, and their owners, from manufacturing, importing, selling, or otherwise distributing any watch bearing Franck Muller trademarks, copyrights or designs throughout the territory."
Elini Designs is based in Miami, Florida, Elini BVBA is based in Antwerp. In addition, Franck Muller USA said that Elini secured the agreement of its Hong Kong manufacturer to cease any new manufacture, sale, or distribution of these watches in the Territory.
"These court orders," the statement said, "represent the successful and amicable resolution of a lawsuit FMUSA brought against Elini Designs and Elini BVBA alleging that their Dolce, Jumbo, and advanced York watch lines illegally copied in substantial part the iconic designs of Franck Muller’s Conquistador, Chronograph, and Cintree Curvex lines."
conj at the time that part of the settlement, Elini will cease manufacturing and selling the three watch lines Franck Muller USA distribution territory and will sell or destroy their current register within 120 days, according to the statement.
“FMUSA is committed to protecting the integrity of the Franck Muller trademark and its unique design features in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean” Michael C. Miller, lead deliberation for FMUSA, said in the statement. “FMUSA will not stand by while watch makers copy the exceptional designs created by Franck Muller and attempt to dilute the value of its brand.”
Miller advanced: “FMUSA will continue to take whatever lawful measures are available to shut down the infringing entities, whether in the replica or gray market arena.”