Lawsuits ask for ban on fake Ray-Bans

Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses, designed in 1952, were famously worn by James Dean in “Rebel Without A Cause,” President John F. Kennedy, and the Blues Brothers and are still favored by young trendsetters today.Get more news about replica ray bans,you can vist sugenon.com!

The distinctive, blocky frames with silver rivets at the temples have long been both fashion and design icons, with a price tag of $155 and up.

But cheap knockoffs are being sold throughout the country, claims the Wayfarer’s maker, Luxottica Group, and the Italy-based eyewear company is going after them with a wave of trademark infringement lawsuits in an effort to reclaim its brand.

The lawsuits have been lodged in several states this year, including at least 10 filed over the past few weeks in San Diego federal court, alleging counterfeit use of the Ray-Ban and/or Wayfarer logo or name.

The San Diego suits target a wide range of business, from Spencer’s novelties shops to Party City stores to discount websites to distributors.

For example, a search of the Spencer’s website shows several so-called Wayfarer sunglasses for $12.99 each. Party City’s website lists a similar pair for $6.99. Neither company responded to requests for interviews.

Similar lawsuits elsewhere claim the Ray-Ban logo is misused on fakes at an indoor flea market in Atlanta and at a store in Miami, where the owner is accused of ordering counterfeits from China.

Stefano Orsini, Luxottica’s group risk and compliance director, said the company has gotten tougher and more expansive in its anti-counterfeiting measures.Premium sunglasses, produced under high-quality controlled standards, are designed to protect consumers’ eyes from the harmful rays of the sun,” Orsini said. “Fakes not only deceive consumers, but also pose a threat to their health. This problem won’t go away until we start seeing tougher legislation against counterfeiters and consumers who knowingly purchase counterfeit goods.”

Orsini said last year, the company shut down more than 25,000 websites that were selling fake products to consumers using Luxottica brands’ trademarks and logos.

Considered to be the world’s largest eyewear company, Luxottica owns retail stores such as LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and Sunglass Hut, as well as several high-end eyewear brands like Prada, Chanel and Ralph Lauren.