A shopkeeper in Monaco-Ville has been fined for selling items branded with “Monaco” and “Monte-Carlo” without proper authorization…
Between 2018 and 2021, the merchant sold clothing featuring these trademarks, unaware of the need for a licensing agreement with Monaco Brands, the entity that manages and protects over one hundred trademarks, including those tied to the Principality.
The man, who had managed two souvenir shops since 2003, was convicted last May and ordered to pay a fine of 3,000 euros. His company was handed a suspended fine of 15,000 euros. This came after customs officers uncovered counterfeit goods, including dresses, t-shirts, and children’s clothing, during an inspection.
Monaco Brands claims the damages amount to 50,000 euros, while the merchant estimates them to be only 5,600 euros. Despite pleading ignorance about the trademark rules, the court has been less sympathetic. The shopkeeper insists he didn’t receive a 2019 letter sent by Monaco Brands informing traders of the regulations, a claim met with scepticism by the judge.
The trader has yet to obtain a licensing agreement, and the case will proceed to civil court to determine the full extent of the damages. Meanwhile, the prosecutor is pushing for harsher penalties, citing the merchant’s disregard for the rules and the potential damage to Monaco’s image.
The court’s final decision is expected on December 2.
