Technology

Cartier, Amazon Suing ‘Influencer,’ Sellers Over Counterfeit ‘Love’ Jewelry

TechnologyJun 16, 2022

Cartier, Amazon Suing ‘Influencer,’ Sellers Over Counterfeit ‘Love’ Jewelry

The alleged scheme involving fake “Love” bracelets, necklaces and rings was designed to circumvent Amazon’s counterfeit detection tools.

20220616_Amazon Cartier lawsuit header.jpg
This image pulled from the lawsuit Cartier and Amazon recently filed shows an Instagram post from @phmn9y3v promoting what Cartier identified as fake “Love” bracelets. The alleged scheme involving the social media user and Amazon sellers took place between June 2020 and June 2021, the suit states..
Seattle—Cartier and Amazon have filed two joint lawsuits accusing a social media “influencer”  and a handful of Amazon sellers of conspiring to sell counterfeit Cartier jewelry in a scheme designed to avoid detection.

According to the suit filed by Amazon, the social media user, who operated the Instagram account @phmn9y3v, posted pictures of fake Cartier bracelets, necklaces and rings and directed consumers to links that went to Amazon and other websites, often using the LinkTree platform to do so.

The listing page for the product in the Amazon Store did not mention any brand names—a step taken deliberately to circumvent the online giant’s counterfeit detection tools, the lawsuit alleges—but consumers were told they would receive, and ultimately did get, counterfeit Cartier pieces.

One example given in the lawsuit involved Cartier’s über-popular “Love” bracelet.

20220616_Amazon Cartier lawsuit insert.jpg
Another posting from @phmn9y3v, this one showing a counterfeit Cartier “Love” ring. Though Amazon described @phmn9y3v as a social media “influencer,” an undated screenshot of the account included in court documents shows only 1,229 followers.

A posting on the influencer’s Instagram account included in court documents shows a Cartier Love bracelet, identified as a fake by the brand because of its serial number and certain aesthetic differences. 

The Amazon page connected to the post featured a bracelet described as a “Women’s Fashion Classic Screw Love Titanium Bracelet,” being sold for $29.99. It included an image that “carefully concealed” the Love’s bracelet signature screw motif, the lawsuit states. 

The Instagram bio for @phmn9y3v also included the description “High Quality Copy.” 

“By using social media to promote counterfeit products, bad actors undermine trust and mislead customers,” Kebharu Smith, Amazon associate general counsel and director of the company’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit, said in a press release announcing the lawsuit. 

“Amazon will keep investing and innovating to stay ahead of counterfeiters and working with brands and law enforcement to hold bad actors accountable. We don’t just want to chase them away from Amazon—we want to stop them for good.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

Both lawsuits were filed June 15 in U.S. federal court in Seattle, where Amazon is based.

All defendants were listed only by the names on their Amazon selling accounts.

According to court documents, they are: Amazing Jewelry You Want, VFDNYTU, Miao-He, Byqone US, Byqone Network, Yinji, YFXF, and PHMN9Y3V Jewelry, a selling account allegedly controlled by influencer @phmn9y3v.

The suits bring claims of trademark infringement, contributory trademark infringement, false designation of origin and false advertising, contributory false designation of origin and false advertising, and violation of the Washington Consumer Protection Act

Amazon and Cartier are asking the court to issue an injunction preventing the defendants from selling on Amazon; manufacturing, distributing, and selling counterfeit Cartier products; and assisting another business in doing any of the former.

Cartier is also seeking damages in the case and asking the court to impound all infringing products.
Amazon said after receiving notice from Cartier of counterfeit activity and verifying the sale of infringing products, it shut down the defendants’ accounts.

As of press time, the @phmn9y3v Instagram account was no longer available. 

The civil cover sheet filed with the lawsuit did not list an attorney for any of the defendants. 

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Timex ReWound video screenshot
WatchesSep 21, 2023
Timex Wants Your Old Watch

The company just rolled out “Timex Rewound,” a new takeback and resale program.

GIA logo
GradingSep 21, 2023
Retailers Warned About Fraudulent Email Purportedly From GIA

The lab confirmed it did not send the message.

Reginald Brack
AuctionsSep 21, 2023
Hindman Appoints New SVP, Director of Jewelry and Watches

Reginald Brack has worked at StockX and Christie’s.

BroughtToYou_Image_R02_V02_LK-01.jpg
Brought to you by
Top 5 Ways to Promote Safety and Security Awareness Among Your Staff

Awareness is essential to proactive protection. Learn how to promote and maintain safety and security awareness in your business.

Natural Diamond Council brand ambassador Lily James
SourcingSep 21, 2023
Natural Diamond Council’s Latest Campaign With Lily James Is Here

The second installment of “To Treasure Now and Forever” is intended to emphasize diamonds’ versatility.

Weekly QuizSep 15, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
The Artistry Ltd. 2024 catalog cover
MajorsSep 21, 2023
Artistry’s 2024 Catalog Has Shipped

It features colored gemstone, pearl, diamond, gold, and sterling silver jewelry styles.

Stock image of diamonds
SourcingSep 20, 2023
Natural Diamond Outlook: Indian Diamantaires Navigating Multiple Storms

Economic slowdowns, geopolitical tensions, and the rising popularity of lab-grown diamonds are clouding the outlook for mined diamonds.

Dialog Solutions
Brought to you by
A Conversation with Dialog Solutions

Do you always want the right diamonds at the right price in your store? Introducing Dialog, the world’s first diamond subscription service.

Chemical vapor deposition reactors
Lab-GrownSep 20, 2023
Lab-Grown Diamond Outlook: Price Declines Aren’t a Deterrent

Some Indian manufacturers think the potential in this young, evolving market outweighs current price concerns.

The new Surat Diamond Bourse
SourcingSep 20, 2023
New Surat Diamond Bourse To Be World’s Largest Office Complex

The massive space spans 7.1 million square feet with more than 4,000 offices and 131 elevators.

Sahyog entrance
Policies & IssuesSep 20, 2023
Creating a Brighter Future for the Differently Abled

GIA is among the supporters of a new school building for children with special needs.

Online holiday season shopping
SurveysSep 20, 2023
Why Bain and Deloitte Think Sales Will Grow This Holiday Season

From holiday spending to inflation’s impact, here’s what analysts are forecasting for the season.

Tiffany & Co. X Rimowa collaboration suitcase and jewelry boxes
MajorsSep 20, 2023
Tiffany Collabs With Fellow LVMH-Owned Rimowa

The jeweler and luxury luggage company have teamed up on jewelry cases and a suitcase.

Navneet Gems and Minerals portrait-cut ruby
GradingSep 20, 2023
Navneet Gems Introduces Portrait-Cut Rubies

The geometric collection is on view now at the Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong Show.

Bleu Royal diamond
AuctionsSep 19, 2023
‘Bleu Royal’ Diamond to Fetch $35M-$50M at Auction

The 17.61-carat stone leads Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” sale in Geneva this November.

Surveillance footage of bear spray robbery
CrimeSep 19, 2023
Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison Following Bear Spray Robbery

The suspect used bear spray to subdue employees and bystanders then stole $800,000 worth of jewelry.

Fuli Gemstones Fuli Cut
GradingSep 19, 2023
Fuli Gemstones Unveils New Peridot Cut

The ‘Fuli Cut’ is based on an antique cushion.

Erlend Bore discovers ancient jewelry
MajorsSep 19, 2023
Norwegian Man Uncovers Ancient Jewels with Metal Detector

The jewels, including gold rings and pendants, are said to be from 500 A.D.

Stock photo of Russian diamonds from Alrosa
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2023
Grib Diamonds Among Companies Named in Latest Round of Sanctions

Grib is the Belgium-based subsidiary of Russian company JSC AGD Diamonds, which also was sanctioned.

Greenland Ruby rubies and pink sapphires
SourcingSep 18, 2023
Greenland Ruby Update Confirms Operational Suspension, Layoffs

The company anticipates resuming exploration and mining operations and rehiring staff in 2025.

A jewelry display at the New York City Jewelry and Watch Show
Events & AwardsSep 18, 2023
New York City Jewelry & Watch Show Announces 2023 Exhibitors

The antique and vintage jewelry and watch selling event is scheduled for Oct. 26-29.

Sotheby’s For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition men’s jewelry sale
AuctionsSep 15, 2023
Men’s Jewelry Takes the Spotlight in Sotheby’s Selling Exhibition

Frank Everett curated “For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition,” opening in New York City in September.

De Beers Mic Drop Seize the Day ad
SourcingSep 15, 2023
‘A Diamond Is Forever’ Is Back Again, Backed by $20M

De Beers is putting the emphasis on natural diamonds in Q4 and ending Lightbox’s lab-grown diamond engagement ring test run.

Lindsey Scoggins transformable tourmaline, diamond, and rose gold flower earrings
TrendsSep 15, 2023
Piece of the Week: Lindsey Scoggins’ Transformable Earrings

The brand-new style can be worn three ways.

Kendra Scott at Target rendering
MajorsSep 14, 2023
Kendra Scott Heads to Target

With prices starting at $15, the Kendra Scott at Target collection launches next month.

JCK Industry Fund
Policies & IssuesSep 14, 2023
The JCK Industry Fund Is Accepting 2024 Grant Applications

The fund provides grants to organizations that better the jewelry industry.

CD Peacock and Zillion logo
MajorsSep 14, 2023
CD Peacock To Offer Jewelry Insurance Through Zillion

The Chicago retailer will now offer in-store customers instant quotes and coverage.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy

Additionally, paste this code immediately after the opening  tag: