A U.S. court has ruled against Costco in its claim that ‘Tiffany’ is a generic term for a pronged ring.
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted Tiffany & Co.’s motion for summary judgment in its entirety in the luxury jeweller’s suit against Costco.
The court further found Costco was liable for trademark infringement and trademark counterfeiting in its use of ‘Tiffany’ on signs in jewellery cases at its stores to describe engagement rings that were not made by Tiffany & Co.
“We are gratified the court found Costco’s use of the Tiffany trademark infringed on our rights,” said Leigh Harlan, Tiffany & Co.’s senior vice-president, secretary, and general counsel.
“In its rendering, the court concluded ‘Tiffany had proffered uncontroverted evidence demonstrating the strength of its mark.’ We believe this decision further validates the strength and value of the Tiffany mark and reinforces our continuing efforts to protect the brand.”
