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Complaint launched against 8 local companies for allegedly selling knock off's
A multi–million dollar leather goods, apparel, jewelry and accessories company doing business since 1989 has lodged a civil complaint against eight local businesses and their owners alleging the companies are selling knock off's of their products. The company is seeking damages alleging these local businesses made big bucks by selling bogus products bearing their name.
Chrome Hearts is a multi–million dollar company that only has five Chrome Hearts stores in the United States, eight in Asia, and two in Europe. Yet on Guam their products are allegedly being sold in at least eight local businesses that don't even bear the company's name.
The company, that boasts a clientele of Hollywood A–listers such as Cher, Billy Idol, Madonna, Seal, and Lenny Kravitz, is known for its luxury high end silver jewelry, leather clothing and furniture with gothic motifs. According to court documents, Chrome Hearts' products have generated sales at retail of more than $350,000,000 since 1991.
The company now accuses eight local companies and their owners of making money by selling tourists and residents knock off's of Chrome Hearts products like pendants and necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
Alma Shop and owner Jung Woo Nam, Happy Happy Gift Shop and owner Bon Sun Ahn, Guam Palm Corporation doing business at The Plaza as Hawaiian Silver and owner Young San Nicolas, 925 Mine and owner Hung Bum Choi, Ashinn Shiatsu Massage, Garden Jewelry and owner Shan Piao, A+ Accessory Plus doing business as Kyodia, and Kawaii Gift Shop in Barrigada and owner Une Joo Chung have all been named in the complaint that alleges copyright infringement.
While Chrome Hearts is entitled to exclusively use its designs, third parties like the businesses on Guam allegedly obtained realistic counterfeits, creating false impressions to unknowing customers, who pay top dollar for the Chrome Hearts name.
The company contends it has suffered irreparable damage in excess of $1,000,000.
It has requested the District Court order the businesses to stop using the Chrome Hearts mark through manufacturing, promotion, advertisement, or sale as well as damages to be determined at trial for any profits they gained by selling the knock off's.
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