Rolex has sued a Canadian jewelry retailer and its proprietor over the sale and modification of watches bearing Rolex logos, alleging the custom-made merchandise might be mistaken for watches made or authorised by the corporate.The lawsuit names Quebec primarily based Bijoux Medusa and proprietor Julien Duguay, alleges the enterprise offered custom-made Rolex watches and watch components whereas utilizing Rolex logos with out authorisation.Rolex claims the apply quantities to unfair competitors as a result of the custom-made merchandise might trigger prospects in Canada to imagine they had been made or authorised by Rolex.The corporate is searching for damages of greater than $50,000, arguing that the alleged conduct has harmed the worth related to its logos and enterprise.The allegations haven’t been confirmed in courtroom.Bijoux Medusa has rejected the claims, saying all Rolex watches it sells are real and that it has by no means traded in counterfeit merchandise.In a press release posted on the corporate’s Facebook page on Thursday, Duguay mentioned customizing genuine watches is a reputable business apply.“All watches offered by Bijoux Medusa, in addition to these presently provided on the market, are genuine. Neither Mr. Duguay nor Bijoux Medusa has participated within the use or commerce of counterfeit merchandise—all merchandise are genuine,” the corporate mentioned.The shop mentioned Rolex was making an attempt to stop the resale of real Rolex watches that had been altered with diamonds or different valuable stones.It mentioned solely a small share of its watches had been custom-made or embellished.Bijoux Medusa additionally accused Rolex of making an attempt to manage the marketplace for pre-owned Rolex watches and alleged that the lawsuit was linked to plans to open a brand new retailer in Montreal close to authorised Rolex retailers.The corporate mentioned Duguay and Bijoux Medusa would file their formal defence by the tip of the month.“The proceedings are nonetheless of their very early phases, and Rolex has not established any of the allegations it has made,” the assertion mentioned.Bijoux Medusa mentioned it could proceed promoting genuine watches whereas complying with relevant rules.
