Strange blurb in the National Law Journal. Givenchy (a sub of LVMH) owns US registrations for GIVENCHY for perfumes and watches. Time Products alleges it has the rights to import and distribute GIVENCHY waches in the US (presumably from Givenchy’s European watch manufacturer). Givenchy distributed watches in the US as a giveaway with a purchase of GIVENCHY perfume. Time Products has now brought suit in Florida alleging that LVMH has distributed “imitation and/or counterfeit” products. I see how a trademark owner could in theory breach a sole and exclusive license. I don’t see how a trademark owner can sell imitations or counterfeits of its own product. If I’m missing something, write me.
