Tiffany CEO Admits That It's Suing eBay Because It's Too Hard To Find Real Counterfeiters

from the lawsuits-don't-work-that-way dept

Three and a half years ago, famed jeweler Tiffany sued eBay because people were selling counterfeit Tiffany goods on the auction site. As we noted at the time, it doesn't make any sense at all to sue eBay, since it's not eBay who's doing anything wrong. Tiffany's CEO has now basically admitted that, but doesn't seem to mind. At a hearing in the lawsuit, CEO Michael Kowalski admitted that the firm was suing eBay because it was hard to find the actual sellers. That may make sense in the mind of a Tiffany exec, but the way laws work is that you don't get to sue the person or company who's easy to find just because those actually responsible are hard to find. When a robber holds up a Tiffany store, does Kowalski sue the maker of the getaway car, because the robber can't be found? The company does admit that it sues the individuals when they can be found, but the CEO refers to them as "phantasms" and claimed it made more sense to just focus on eBay, saying that the real fault is "the distribution network, not the seller." Next thing you know, Kowalski will be suing the internet itself. After all, it's "the network, not the seller."
Hide this

Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.

Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.

While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.

–The Techdirt Team

Filed Under: counterfeit goods, luxury goods, safe harbor
Companies: ebay, tiffany


Reader Comments

Subscribe: RSS

View by: Time | Thread


  • identicon
    dirk, 26 Nov 2007 @ 10:55pm

    ebay and counterfeiters

    I once had my ebay account hacked and the dude listed a bunch of fake counterfeit tiffany jewelry. That is, using my account, he put up fake auctions for clearly counterfeit jewelry.

    I was pumped.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Al Gore, 26 Nov 2007 @ 11:49pm

    i invented the internet

    If Tiffany sues the internet, I will vigorously defend myself against all charges. Instead, Tiffany should sue the Google. Where would eBay be without the Google.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      John Q Public, 27 Nov 2007 @ 3:31am

      Re: i invented the internet

      "The Google" ????? My Friend you are just what the internet needs another ID10T. Why don't you go and play on the google and leave the internet for the smart folks

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Oh Come On, 27 Nov 2007 @ 4:48am

        Re: Re: i invented the internet

        John Q, you need to get a sense of humor and read a newspaper from time to time.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Sheesh, 27 Nov 2007 @ 5:10am

        Re: Re: i invented the internet

        Whoosh - the sound of a comment going over your head.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Wizard Prang, 27 Nov 2007 @ 6:28am

      You forgot about...

      ...the tubes.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anon, 27 Nov 2007 @ 12:34am

    This is so weird

    It's so strange. I was just looking for a Tiffany's charm bracelet on eBay and decided to have a look on Techdirt - and here this is.

    Oh, and it's very stupid to sue eBay for this - although I don't think the people who shop at his stores are really going to care if he sues eBay for a bunch of incorrect reasons or not - it won't hurt their image.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      PaulT (profile), 27 Nov 2007 @ 3:56am

      Re: This is so weird

      Not to mention that they're probably not losing money over this - the people who can afford Tiffany stuff will go there regardless. People buying fakes on ebay know that they're fakes, but don't care because they're so cheap.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Max Powers, 27 Nov 2007 @ 3:15am

    Sue Everyone

    We could start a diagram that starts with Tiffany, then to Ebay, then to Google, then to .....all the way down the line.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Danny, 27 Nov 2007 @ 5:43am

    Wow at least the RIAA occasionally tries to find the actual offenders (albeit with weak and sometimes outright false information)...

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Ray, 27 Nov 2007 @ 5:52am

    I support Tiffany as eBay is out of control with fakes. My wife bought a Tiffany item on eBay and it was a fake so she notified eBay and they did nothing. We sent the item to Tiffany and they confirmed it was a fake. Still eBay did nothing. We contacted the seller who then gave my wife a bad comment on her record! Yes, the criminal dinged us and still eBay did nothing, not even remove the ding! eBay knows about these fakes and does nothing. I hope Tiffany sues the hell out of eBay and wins.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      hautedawg, 27 Nov 2007 @ 6:11am

      Re:

      When you buy something at a lower price, you can be assured that it was a fake, or stolen. You purchase a $1000 item for $50, you know that there is large chance that it is not a genuine Tiffany. Just like buying something that "fell off the back of the truck", you know the price is too good to be true, but you want to make a silk purse from a sow's ear. You get what you deserve, ding and all. Sorry to be so blunt, but come on, be honest with yourself.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Some Dude, 27 Nov 2007 @ 6:15am

    Re: Re: i invented the internet

    Wouldn't it be kind of funny if John Q was really doing reverse super sarcasim? I sometimes look at 'that kind of persons' comments in that way. It makes me less depressed about humanity.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Security, 27 Nov 2007 @ 6:19am

    How much has the suit costed Ebay so far

    Even if Tiffany has a revelation, how much has eBay spent so far?

    Can any of the money be reclaimed?

    Can Tiffany be fined for an inappropriate lawsuit?

    It is no wonder why some companies become so paranoid.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Wizard Prang, 27 Nov 2007 @ 6:29am

    Following that train of logic...

    We should all be able to sue the Post office for Mail Fraud.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    chris (profile), 27 Nov 2007 @ 6:39am

    it's called caveat emptor

    or "let the buyer beware"

    meaning that if you are shopping for something, and you see it for a significant discount on ebay, it's probably a fake, or stolen, or both.

    you wouldn't buy a $500 television on a street corner for $50, why would you do it on ebay?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 27 Nov 2007 @ 6:56am

    Ray

    Why not sue the seller then? This is your right. Or, make sure Tiffany's sues them.

    But, Hautedawg has a point. You are an adult (I would hope any for being married) and should have known better. I don't go on e-bay and look for cisco routers and buy the $50 3800 series model. I know it will be a fake, or dead. Especially since they start at 3k easy. Actually, I don't use e-bay at all. But, I'm wise enough to know when I'm being had.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Darius, 27 Nov 2007 @ 11:12am

    seriously

    as much as i love ebay, people should still use common sense.

    i couldnt agree anymore with the comments made in the article.

    it makes me doubt Tiffany's credibility.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 27 Nov 2007 @ 11:49am

    If the buyer should know that an underpriced item is fake, why can't eBay?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    sean, 28 Nov 2007 @ 8:15am

    Christies, anyone?

    I briefly looked but I can't find... haven't people sued Christies and Sothebys for auctioning stolen art, particularly that taken off Jewish families in Nazi-era Europe?
    If they've been successful, would this not set the precedent that the dealer or auction-house is indeed liable for facilitating the sale of fake or stolen goods?

    Pls don't flame me for comparing faked Tiffany stuff to Picassos and the Holocaust, it's the legal PRECENDENT I'm wondering about.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Adam, 29 Nov 2007 @ 5:16pm

    But what if the getaway car was the only thing...

    that allowed the person to rob Tiffany's...

    just playing devil's advocate...

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Wizard Prang, 3 Dec 2007 @ 9:09am

      Re: But what if the getaway car was the only thing

      That might work... if the car had a button on the dashboard clearly labelled "Rob Tiffany's"

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Canada Topix Editor, 17 Jan 2008 @ 9:20am

    Daily ebay rip Offs Going on Unreported by Many as

    Good for this guy...

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Jules, 28 Feb 2008 @ 10:14am

    Tiffany is stupid

    Tiffany is stupid. All you have to do is a search on Google and you will find hundreds of websites that say they are selling fake Tiffany jewelry. All they sell is fake Tiffany jewelry, but they go after Ebay. They are just lazy and greedy. They thought they could get some easy money from Ebay. I think they are losing business because so many people make sterling silver jewelry in better designs than them. I wouldn't wear their stuff cause it looks like their logo says TACO from a distance. Yeah, I want to wear a choker that announces that I love to eat at Taco Bella, but hey they've got that 4th meal thing going on. (Great marketing idea, like Americans need a 4th meal...sheesh!)

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    joan thomas, 2 Jul 2008 @ 2:14am

    refake items from ebay

    ebay allows the sellers to scam the buyers because after claim are filed they continue to sellebay is just as responseable as the seller is y is it they get the our money b4 well get the item it should both be sent to ebay ebay check it out then once the item clears as was posted online ebay sends item and payment and the sellers areinsured if like me its embarresing i b told that i the buyer is scamiing my friend and it cost er time and money the sell should fill orders as they are list or paypal give the max per item 2000. i have alot in this oh one more thing why would ebay wipe the items i orderd i cant even view this in my e-mail like they dont want someone to seewat they have allowed

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    joan thomas, 2 Jul 2008 @ 2:16am

    refake items from ebay

    ebay allows the sellers to scam the buyers because after claim are filed they continue to sellebay is just as responseable as the seller is y is it they get the our money b4 well get the item it should both be sent to ebay ebay check it out then once the item clears as was posted online ebay sends item and payment and the sellers areinsured if like me its embarresing i b told that i the buyer is scamiing my friend and it cost er time and money the sell should fill orders as they are list or paypal give the max per item 2000. i have alot in this oh one more thing why would ebay wipe the items i orderd i cant even view this in my e-mail like they dont want someone to seewat they have allowed

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    derlo, 7 Nov 2008 @ 2:50pm

    new file engine search!

    I surfed all the web till found the best searcher. Films, picts, mp3’s, videos and lots more at http://newfileengine.com/

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    handbags, 4 Sep 2009 @ 11:11pm

    avd

    We are the professional discount luxury goods online sale store, such as UGG Classic Short, UGG Classic Tall, yves saint laurent,replica handbags and other luxury famous brand products. Every day, there will be thousands of people to visit our website , and more than a thousand of frequent customers. Wear our ugg boots make your feet just like next to the stove, take our loewe handbags make you more elegant, the attractive christian louboutin shoes and jimmy choo shoes also make your feet shine. If any one of our goods has some quality problem within seven days after you receive, which can be changed a new one or returned back your money unconditionally. Are you still hesitanting? Just haste to our website to buy.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    blackman, 30 Oct 2009 @ 6:27am

    dfsg

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    blackman, 30 Oct 2009 @ 6:27am

    dfsg

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    blackman, 30 Oct 2009 @ 6:28am

    dfsg

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    blackman, 30 Oct 2009 @ 6:30am

    cxvvcbnb

    Ilove content.What you said is true. Thanks! online pharmacy no prescription no prescription online pharmacygeneric viagra generic viagra weight loss pills weight loss pills penis enlargement penis enlargementgeneric cialis generic cialis buy generic drugs generic drugs

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    swiss panerai replica, 21 Feb 2010 @ 1:56am

    swiss panerai replica

    Panerai's success with large watches has also led other companies to introduce larger Panerai watches. Retailers may only receive a few limited edition pieces each per year and long waiting lists for popular models are not uncommon. We offer quality Swiss Panerai replica with Officine Panerai logo. With these replica Panerai watches, you can show off your style and personality without costing too much.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Emily Tedds, 31 Jul 2013 @ 7:13am

    Fake Items on Ebay

    Really surprised to still come across this issue after all these years. I remember back then lots of people had different opinions about how to go with this. From a business point of view I relate to ebay's position. Interesting though

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Farid, 31 Dec 2014 @ 4:09am

    Nice information

    It's definitely true. I agree with your opinion. Jual jam tangan kw super

    link to this | view in chronology ]


Follow Techdirt
Essential Reading
Techdirt Deals
Report this ad  |  Hide Techdirt ads
Techdirt Insider Discord

The latest chatter on the Techdirt Insider Discord channel...

Loading...
Recent Stories

This site, like most other sites on the web, uses cookies. For more information, see our privacy policy. Got it
Close

Email This

This feature is only available to registered users. Register or sign in to use it.