Amazon and Cartier have filed two lawsuits against a social media influencer and eight businesses, accusing them of selling counterfeit luxury goods online.
The cases, submitted to the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, claim that the defendants used Instagram and other websites to market fake Cartier products while attempting to bypass Amazon’s anti-counterfeiting measures.
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Allegations of counterfeit sales
The lawsuits allege that the defendants conspired to sell counterfeit Cartier jewellery, including imitation bracelets, necklaces, and rings.
According to the filings, counterfeit products were advertised on Instagram with clear references to Cartier branding, but were disguised as unbranded items on Amazon and other websites.
Customers were reportedly directed to purchase generic listings, with the sellers later sending counterfeit Cartier items instead.
One example cited in the lawsuit involves a replica of Cartier’s LOVE bracelet. On Amazon, it was listed as a generic “Women’s Fashion Classic Screw Love Titanium Steel Bracelet” without any mention of Cartier.
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By GlobalDataHowever, on Instagram, the same item was openly promoted as a Cartier-branded product. Customers who bought the generic listing allegedly received a counterfeit Cartier bracelet.
Methods used to avoid detection
The defendants are accused of deliberately working around Amazon’s counterfeit detection tools. They allegedly posted images of Cartier-branded items on social media while providing links to generic listings on Amazon. Instructions were reportedly given via Instagram messages, guiding buyers on how to order fake luxury products without triggering Amazon’s anti-counterfeiting systems.
According to the lawsuits, this strategy enabled the sale of counterfeit items while making it difficult for Amazon’s automated tools to detect the infringement.
The defendants are also accused of providing their social media followers with direct messages and links to purchase fake versions of luxury brands beyond Cartier.
Amazon and Cartier’s response
Amazon states that it remains committed to protecting intellectual property rights and preventing the sale of counterfeit goods. The company has invested heavily in anti-counterfeiting measures, including machine learning tools and brand protection initiatives.
Cartier, which has been combating counterfeit sales for years, is working alongside Amazon in this legal action to address the issue.
Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit (CCU), which collaborates with law enforcement and brand owners, has taken legal action against counterfeiters in the past.
The lawsuits are part of an ongoing effort by the company to prevent the sale of fake products and hold those responsible accountable.
The outcome of the cases remains to be seen, but the legal actions highlight the ongoing challenges posed by counterfeit sales in online marketplaces.
