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Published
Jun 9, 2016
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Luxottica sues BCBG Max Azria over Wayfarer sunglass trademark

By
Reuters
Published
Jun 9, 2016

Luxottica Group Spa, the maker of Ray-Ban sunglasses, has sued BCBG Max Azria Group LLC, accusing the fashion house of knowingly infringing its famous Wayfarer trademark.


BCBGMaxazria Women's B857 Wayfarer Sunglasses - BCBG


The complaint, filed on Wednesday with the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, said BCBG Max Azria's unauthorized sale of infringing eyewear was intended to confuse consumers, hurting Milan-based Luxottica's reputation and goodwill.

"Defendant's acts complained of herein have caused Luxottica to suffer irreparable injury to its business," the complaint said.

Luxottica, the world's largest eyewear company, is seeking an injunction against infringements, triple and punitive damages, and other remedies.

BCBG Max Azria and lawyers for Luxottica did not immediately respond on Thursday to requests for comment.


The Ray-Ban Wayfarer - Luxottica


Luxottica has pursued other litigation to stop lesser-known marketers from selling Ray-Ban knockoffs.

It also runs several eyewear chains, including LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Sunglass Hut and Target Optical.

Wayfarer sunglasses were designed in 1952. A U.S. trademark was registered two years later by Bausch & Lomb, whose Ray-Ban business was acquired by Luxottica in 1999.

The sunglasses' popularity has gone in cycles, reaching a peak during the 1980s. Tom Cruise wore them in the 1983 movie "Risky Business," and Don Henley referred to them in his 1984 song "The Boys of Summer."

BCBG Max Azria is run by Tunisian-born Max Azria. It is based in Vernon, California, about five miles (8 km) southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

 

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