• 13
  • January
    2012

It is difficult enough to keep a small business afloat in these tough economic times, even when all you have to worry about is selling enough products and services to cover your costs. But when a commercial dispute ends up in court, the business may be at risk of being liable for extensive monetary damages. When facing this type of situation it is important to work with a law firm that not only understands the law but also understands your business.

A Georgia contractor, who also owns a small flea market testified at a trial recently in which the Louis Vuitton company is seeking millions of dollars in damages against flea market owner for allegedly allowing trademark infringement to occur at the market. The $55 million dollar claim is on stark contrast to the $20,000 that the Georgia man claimed his flea market made in a recent year.

The French fashion designer asserted that the owners of the flea market had turned a blind eye to the sale of goods falsely bearing the name of the label. The design company had hired investigators to make undercover buys of the allegedly infringing products; they then followed up with police. This resulted in police raids of numerous vendors' booths.

The flea market owner fears that the lawsuit may put him out of business. While intellectual property owners certainly have a right to protect their interests, it is troubling to see a small business owner put in such a difficult situation.

Source: MySA.com, "Flea market owner: Louis Vuitton wants me out of business," Guillermo Contreras, Jan. 12, 2011