A manufacturer of novelty sunglasses may not use a label featuring the name “Cartier,” despite a disclaimer on the label inviting consumers to compare its glasses with Cartier’s, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled April 3 (Cartier Inc. v. Deziner Wholesale LLC, S.D.N.Y., No. 98 Civ. 4947 (RLC), 4/3/00).
Cartier sells sunglasses, specially designed and tested to meet Cartier standards, that retail for between $350 and $1,600. The glasses are sold through Cartier’s flagship store and through Cartier boutiques.
