Jewellery Focus July 2018 | Page 15

MONTH IN REVIEW GO ONLINE www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 LAW ACQUISITION ONLINE The group sought injunctions requiring five of the largest internet service providers (ISPs) to block or attempt to block access to ‘target websites’. Jewellery brand Cartier has been ordered to pay the costs of blocking websites which were advertising and selling counterfeit copies of its goods. The internet service providers (ISPs) were innocent of any trademark infringement and only provided networks by which subscribers could access content. It was found that it did not provide or store the counterfeit content. The court said that different considerations would apply were they engaged in caching or hosting the content. Karen Fong of law firm Keystone Law said: “It’s good news for ISPs and bad news for brand owners today as the Supreme Court in Cartier & Ors v BT & Anor, overturned the decisions at First Instance and the Court of Appeal and ruled that ISPs (Internet Service Providers) do not have to bear the costs of implementing a blocking injunction (requiring them to block access to specified “target websites” selling counterfeit goods).” She added: “The court took the view that website blocking injunctions were made by brand owners to further their own commercial interests and they should not be entitled to seek contribution of such costs from any party other than the infringers. An ISP serves as an intermediary or a mere conduit and should be indemnified by the rights holder against the costs of complying with a website blocking order. “In blocking injunctions for copyright cases, the courts have always ordered the ISPs to bear the costs of implementation of the injunctions whilst the brand owners bear the costs of the application. Will this decision change things?” The jewellery brand Tresor Paris has acquired Phiiish, a London-based jewellery brand created by brothers Dean and Adam Greenfield. The Greenfield brothers, whose family boasts more than 50 years in the jewellery trade, had launched the brand in 2014. Before Tresor Paris’ acquisition, Dean worked as the lead designer and innovator of the jewellery brand while Adam worked as the brand developer. Dean, who created the fish bracelet design, will remain lead designer in the upcoming collection despite the acquisition. He will work alongside Tresor Paris’ creative director Lilian Lousky to launch the new collection next month. The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has revealed its intent to future- proof the association through the launch of a new website. Cartier to pay to block sites which sell counterfeit goods July 2018 | jewelleryfocus.co.uk Tresor Paris acquires London jewellery brand Phiiish Lousky said: ‘’When we first met with the brothers, their passion and vision for the brand was infectious. So we decided to acquire the Phiiish range, marketing it as a brand within Tresor Paris with some modifications and further developments in line with customers’ demand and tastes. “The exciting reinvigorated line will be launching ahead of International Jewellery London and London Fashion week, making it available to Tresor Paris fans and stockists.” Adam added: “Dean’s Phiiish design has many interesting features, including its adjustable stoppers, changeable natural stones, birthstone colours and also a distinct fishtail tag which acts as a safety chain. ‘’But as a new brand to the market, it sometimes felt like an uphill struggle - or in our case an upstream struggle - to build momentum, with many retailers preferring to play it safe with the more established brands.’’ NAJ announces plan to ‘future- proof’ the company The mobile-first website will engage consumers and enables members to find solutions using interactive forums, live chat and online toolkits and tutorials. The first phase of the site will launch in September 2018. Harriet Kelsall, newly appointed chair, said: “I look forward to working with Simon Forrester on the future shape and structure of the NAJ. In order to fulfil our new strategy going forward, we will now begin a top-down review of governance, volunteers, staffing, technology and communication.” Forrester added: “Although we have already gained over 120 new members this year, the NAJ will not stand still; we will continue to evolve in line with the needs of our members and the challenging environment in which they operate.” The price of gold fell by £28 to £951/oz in June JEWELLERY FOCUS 15