Estée Lauder is allegedly suing Walmart over claims that the US retail chain has been selling counterfeit versions of its products.
The US beauty giant has accused Walmart of selling “identical” products to its brands Clinique, Tom Ford and Le Labo, according to court documents filed with the US Court for the Central District of California, which are available to view via a link within Reuters’ report.
This includes claims that certain skin care and fragrance products bear marks that are “identical with, substantially indistinguishable from, or confusingly similar” to one or more of the ELC Trademarks, the 110-page document alleges.
The US cosmetics company is reportedly now seeking damages for the alleged sale of counterfeit products, according to the report.
It is also alleged that ELC has requested a court order directing Walmart to recall these products from any distributors and retailers and to destroy all remaining inventory of the ‘Accused Products’.
A Walmart spokesperson told Cosmetics Business: "We are aware of the complaint and have zero-tolerance for counterfeit products.
“We will respond appropriately with the court when we are served.”
Cosmetics Business has contacted Estée Lauder for a comment.
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