Coach Wins Landmark Internet Counterfeit Battle

COACH has won $257 million (£160 million) in damages in what is one of the largest payment awards in internet counterfeiting history. An Illinois federal court judge also gave the US accessories label the power to seize more than 573 domain names, selling fake Coach products.
"The magnitude of this judgment underscores the severity and illegality of counterfeiting, and sends a clear message that our courts will enforce the law," said Todd Kahn, Coach's executive vice president and general counsel.
However, the monetary part of the ruling is symbolic - Coach will not actually receive the payment, as it is unlikely that they will be able to find the individuals behind the counterfeit websites to obtain their payment.  Nonetheless, the case offers a "warning" to infringing online retailers and show how seriously such cases are being taken in the legal world.
The largest internet counterfeit ruling went to True Religion Apparel Inc, who were given $863.9 million (£536.8 million), in March this year.