PARKERSBURG - Luxury accessory and dress manufacturers are seeking more than $2 million in damages from a Parkersburg tanning salon for selling counterfeit products.
Coach Inc. and Coach Services Inc. filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Parkersburg on Aug. 12. The companies alleges the Paradise Cove Sun Studio, owned by Robert Bryan and Jody Bargeloh, "knowingly and intentionally" engaged in illegal counterfeiting and infringing activities with "reckless disregard or willful blindness" to the Coachs' rights.
According to the 26-page complaint, the alleged counterfeit purses were discovered earlier this month when an investigator from a Maryland corporation paid a visit to the tanning salon.
On two occasions (Aug. 1 and 3) a Coach investigator entered the salon, purchased alleged counterfeit purses and wallets, including a swingback purse for $65 to $70. The suit states authentic Coach swingbacks average $128.
The investigator found multiple Coach registered trademarks and copyrights but with styles, hardware, martial and quality not utilized by Coach in the manufacture of its products.
The Bargelohs are accused of trademark counterfeiting, trademark infringement, trade dress infringement, false designations of origin, false advertising, trademark dilution and copyright infringement.
Fact Box
In Brief
Paradise Cove Sun Studio, a south side tanning salon, has been slapped with a federal lawsuit by a pair of Coach companies.
Coach Inc. and Coach Services Inc. allege the studio has engaged in counterfeiting and infringing activities.
The luxury accessory and dress companies are seeking more than $2 million in damages as well as an injunction against the salon's owners.
Bryan Bargeloh said he had not yet seen a copy of the suit.
"I understand it has been filed and is coming down the pike, but I haven't put eyes on it," he said.
Bargeloh did not want to comment on the matter until he had seen the suit and reviewed the allegations.
"I'm sure at some point I will have a comment," he said.
The suit alleges the Bargelohs are "well aware of the extraordinary fame and strength of the Coach brand" and have no license or authority or other permission from Coach to use any of its trademarks.
Coach is seeking $2 million in statutory damages, as well as punitive damages, court costs and legal fees. The company is also seeking an injunction against the Bargelohs from manufacturing, supplying or distributing any products with Coach trademarks.
The civil suit was filed by James Popson and Christina Marshall, two attorneys based in Cleveland Ohio.
