Louis Vuitton and Burberry awarded $2.5 million in a record-setting settlement, courtesy of Canadian fake-makers

Back in March, we wrote about a case that was brewing between luxury brands—Louis Vuitton and Burberry— and manufacturers/importers of counterfeit handbags Altec Productions (Toronto-based), Carnation Fashion Co. and Singga Enterprises Inc. On Monday, Justice James Russell’s gavel came crashing down on the fake-makers, ordering Altec to pay $1.3 million, Singga $780,000 and Carnation Fashion Company $390,000. The settlement totalled $2.5 million and is officially the largest amount owed from a case of its kind, with the former record holder being a Burnaby woman who paid out $1 million. We figure most trendy shoppers will now have to settle for a much-less-expensive-and-much-more-unattractive real Coach wristlet these days, lest they end up in the middle of the next, bigger case (or worse, a drunk tank equivalent for knock-off owners). Sorry, “frugalistas.”
• Firms fined $2.5 million for selling bogus goods [Vancouver Sun]
How snobby and elitist of you, TO Life! “settle for much-less-exprensive-and-much-more-unattractive Coach”…??? I’m not a fan of Coach myself but this comment is just plain rude!! Coach lost its appeal years ago and yes it nauseates me when I see those little wristlets all over the place too but what the hey, I would’t wear Coach but not because LV is a brand of choice and I’m too good for anything else! I seriously hope TO Life, you were commenting on the wristlets on the “frugalista” in particular and not that LV sets the bar. There are tons of brands out there, many of which are far more stylish than LV, and if TO Life (that’s IF as I may have misinterpreted!) is going to get all uppity (and also focus on stupid things like Kate’s wardrobe), I suggest you take it offline and offer readership under the guise of an “exclusive” publication for those with the *highest, most discerning taste* cos TO Life, you’re not it!
I meant EXPENSIVE, not expRensive!
Its about time these bootleggers are held accountable. The Canadian laws are to lax when it comes to fakes.
As for Coach… Toronto Life has it right… If you can not afford the real deal then it was not meant for you. LV has always set the standard.
JR