Maggie Sottero Designs Wins Against Counterfeiters

Award winning fashion designer, Maggie Sottero received a response to the lawsuit filed by the American Bridal & Prom Industry Association (ABPIA) seeking to restrain the sale of counterfeit goods by the owners of 16 specific internet websites. On January 10, 2013, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey concluded that the ABPIA had demonstrated a compelling case, and therefore, entered a Preliminary Injunction against the owners of the websites, enjoining them from selling counterfeit products and from using their internet websites to market and sell their counterfeit apparel. The Court's Preliminary Injunction also froze assets owned by the owners of the websites pending a final decision by the Court on the appropriate relief to be awarded the ABPIA and its members.

According to Maggie Sottero president, Bob Cahoon , "The ABPIA's case has strong footing and has the potential to impact those who, knowingly or unknowingly, are in the counterfeiters' supply chain, including ISP's, search engines, shippers, payment processors, and financial institutions. It is anticipated that hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of additional websites will be added to the lawsuit shortly through a streamlined process approved by the Court."

Maggie Sottero strongly supports the ABPIA efforts, is represented on the Board of Directors and eagerly anticipates further positive action from the U.S. District Court.

"The devastating effects of the counterfeiting epidemic on unsuspecting consumers, retailers, manufacturers and the formalwear industry at large cannot be overstated. The threat to legitimate businesses is significant and will not go away on its own. To effectively wage this war demands the very best efforts, tireless commitment and resources of our industry in a united front. While we're optimistic with the Court's actions to date, we're really only beginning," said Cahoon.

Maggie Sottero and fellow ABPIA members urge all bridal and prom retailers, manufacturers and industry partners to unite with them to combat the relentless assault from counterfeiters by joining the ABPIA today.