Cree accuses e-retailer of counterfeiting, trademark infringement
Triangle Business Journal reports that LED lighting manufacturer Cree, Durham, N.C., has filed suit against an electronic retailer in California, TomTop Group, accusing it of selling “pirated and counterfeit” Cree-branded products on e-commerce websites such as eBay and Amazon.
“According to Cree’s allegations, TomTop was never authorized to distribute Cree products or use its trademarks. But investigators from Cree purchased several flashlights from TomTop, receipts for which are included in the exhibits filed with the suit. Cree claims those transactions and the products it purchased — many of which Cree says carry an unauthorized “Cree” label and are falsely advertised as being Cree merchandise – are evidence of wrongdoing. Reproductions of Cree trademarks were copied onto products and product packaging in attempts to convince customers that the TomTop wares were made by Cree, the suit alleges,” the report said.
About the Author
Doug Chandler, Senior Staff Writer
Executive Editor
Doug Chandler began writing about the electrical industry in 1992, and still finds there's never a shortage of stories to be told. So he spends his days finding them and telling them. Educationally, he's a Jayhawk with an English degree. Outside of work, he can often be found banging drums or harvesting tomatoes.