Advancing the Law Against Knock-Offs

Background and Overview: In September 2015, Coty, along with its licensors Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, and Lady Gaga, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for Southern District of New York against Excell Brands, LLC, a manufacturer of so-called “alternative fragrances” marketed as “versions” of genuine Coty fragrances. See Coty Inc. v. Excell Brands, LLC, No. 15-cv-7029 (JMF), 2017 WL 4155402 (S.D.N.Y. Sept. 18, 2017).