Gucci may not be feeling very “Gucci” after the recent copyright infringement ruling in their epic battle with Guess.
Although the Italian luxury brand won the first ruling in New York courts for $4.7 million over a diamond-patterned G logo that bore a striking resemblance to a Gucci pattern, Guess may be having the last laugh – for now at least.
In a surprising ruling from the Italian court, three of Gucci’s registered trademarks were nullified in Milan based on a counterclaim filed by Guess back in 2009.
This means that Gucci’s diamond pattern, G logo and “Flora” pattern trademarks have been cancelled, leaving those patterns open for anyone to use a G logo in any of these signature patterns.
It seems a bit extreme for a court to completely nullify three signature patterns that a brand has been using for years. Furthermore, a ruling like this feels like brand sabotage for a name like Gucci, whose patterns have become synonymous with the quality of their products.
Paul Marciano, CEO of Guess, said the ongoing legal battle could have been resolved by a simple phone call and that Gucci’s tactics have been “nothing less than bullying.” He continued, “Because of their endless resources, Gucci has been forum shopping all over the world to try and stop Guess from expanding its successful accessories business. It’s fundamentally wrong and unconscionable.”
We find it interesting that Paul Marciano finds Gucci to be at fault, but sees no issue with his company blatantly copying another company’s designs. Gucci still has ongoing suits against Guess in China and France, so this whole ordeal is far from over…Stay tuned.
