Parallel import (also known as gray market goods) refers to genuine branded goods that are imported into a market and sold there without the consent of the owner of the trademark.
The goods are “genuine” goods (as distinct from counterfeit goods) in that they have been manufactured by or for or under license from the brand owner. However, they may have been formulated or packaged for a particular jurisdiction, but then imported into a jurisdiction other than that intended by the brand owner.
We advise our clients in:
- Reviewing their license, distribution and manufacturer’s warranties agreements to limit risks of parallel importation,
- Initiating civil proceedings based on trademark protection laws and unfair competition
- Initiating criminal proceedings for marketing goods bearing a registered trademark that the seller is not allowed to use
- administrative remedies in case of specific products