Customs to destroy 780 pairs of counterfeit Lacoste shoes

The Civil Court has ordered the destruction of 780 pairs of counterfeit Lactose sport shoes, originally destined to an Algerian company, ruling that the shipment breached intellectual property rights.

On 7 January this year, the Comptroller of Customs informed the French company that a 40-foot container unloaded from MV Don Pasquale was refused release from the Maltese customs on suspicion of carrying counterfeit items. The container transported 780 pairs of sports shoes bearing the word Lacoste and its recognisable 'Crocodile' logo. The shipment was destined to a company named Eurl Mesmada Import Export, based in Algeria.

But Marc Ancel, Lacoste’s Intellectual Property Manager examined the sportshoes and confirmed they were counterfeit items.

Appearing on behalf of Lacoste S A, lawyer Louis Bianchi argued that the words Lacoste and the Crocodile logo are both trademarks registered in Malta. He called on the Civil Court to order the destruction of the counterfeited merchandise or dispose of it in any way which ensures the protection of the company’s standing.

The judg ruled that the items found in the container were indeed counterfeit merchandise and ordered the Comptroller of Customs to destroy the items within 90-days from today. The expenses of such action will be borne by the Algerian company. The same company is also to pay all customs related expenses including the storage and bonds of the container.

Lawyer Louis Bianchi appeared on behalf of Lacoste S A, while Dr Joseph Ellis and Legal Procurator Alison Wadge represented Algerian company Eurl Mesmada Import Export.