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Rolex

Rolex shuts down profiting from customisation of its watches

 

Rolex has won its IP case against luxury watch customiser La Californienne, which is no longer permitted to use the Swiss watchmaker’s name or any of its symbols even when it is treating vintage Rolex watches. The decision was swift considering the case was filed in Nov 2019 given the recent system shutdown. I wonder how MAD, AdG, Bamford etc have been getting away with this for more than a decade. Is it the IP law that's different in EU? FWIW, I personally dig some aesthetics of the iterations for their 'imagination' yet see their unimaginative side - being unable to come up with the real deal. Poaching on an est brand's equity is not worth the squeeze - Still a knock-off in my books and wudnt consider them of any value-added. Now some eye candy...



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16 Comments view entire thread 

Thanks for the news alert. Interesting.

 
By: Bounce781 : June 9th, 2020-03:06
I still don’t quite understand what the problem is with these customisations. A third part buys a consumer product (Rolex) The third party alters the original Rolex and offers it for sale fully advertised as a modified Original Rolex The customer knowingl... 

This sounds more like the copyright laws protecting original artwork.

 
By: Emil Wojcik : June 9th, 2020-06:26
I can buy someone else's artwork, a painting for example, and change that painting for my own personal use. The original artist most likely wouldn't be happy their artwork was altered, but it would be legal as long as I don't offer it for sale or show it ... 

totally agree

 
By: Gelato Monster : June 9th, 2020-07:42
the whole American Muscle Car industries are exciting based on customization. Singer do it on Porsche, etc.

Can you provide a link? I'm confused...

 
By: CR : June 9th, 2020-06:37
I tried Googling this and from what I can tell, Rolex and La Californienne settled. I'm not finding anything that says Rolex won the lawsuit. It appears that the parties settled prior to any legal decision, though the settlement clearly favored Rolex (and... 

Thanks very much.

 
By: CR : June 9th, 2020-08:03
This link also discusses many of the details .

I understand Rolex's point of view.

 
By: U3O8 : June 10th, 2020-08:41
Somebody may be interested in buying a Rolex. They notice a customized Rolex on another person's risk. It look ugly, cheap and because of the customization may not be working properly. The wearer may complain that the watch is not running properly. The pe... 

I’d like to buy their watches just because of this stupid ruling

 
By: Homme de La Firme : July 6th, 2020-23:33
I think people have given fair points above why a ruling like this seems to be against the commonly accepted behaviour in other industries. It is also the first time I have heard a news that makes a dint to the Rolex brand - Rolex pursuing a ruling like t... 

Well it is a small mans tiny act of rebellion. :)

 
By: Homme de La Firme : July 7th, 2020-06:37
I just gather, that IF I think La Californienne and similar "modification artists / watchmakers" should be allowed to do what they do, and IF Rolex thinks they shouldn't, and IF Rolex thinks Rolex brand should be visible in those watches, THEN me getting ... 

I think la Californienne watches are very identifiable as their own brand

 
By: Homme de La Firme : July 7th, 2020-07:17
And it is impossible to mistake a La Californienne Rolex watch for a regular Rolex watch (for a watch enthusiast, of course, and most 'regular people' don't recognise one watch brand from the other even with a logo). So the La Californienne design languag...