Swatch Sues Target for Allegedly Copying Watch Designs



Swatch Group has sued Target, claiming the discount giant is selling inferior versions of its trademarked designs.

In a lawsuit filed March 7 in New York Southern district federal court, Swatch claims that 1,924-store Target is stocking copycats of its “zebra” and “multi-color” lines.

“The watches sold by [Target] are of a quality substantially different than, and inferior to, [Swatch’s] genuine goods,” it claims, adding that the similarity is “likely to deceive the public” into thinking Target watches are from Swatch.

The suit adds that Swatch “provided notice” to Target about the similarity in the watch lines, but Target failed to respond. 

The suit charges trade dress infringement, unfair competition, false advertising, and false designation of origin, and seeks destruction of the articles in question, as well as unspecified damages.

A Target spokesman tells JCK that while he cannot comment on the suit, “it always has been, and continues to be, the policy of Target to respect the intellectual property rights of others and we expect the same from our vendors and partners.”

The multi-color watches, according to Swatch’s legal papers

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JCK News Director

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