Sotheby's Sues For Trademark Infringement

On August 2, 2010, world-famous international auction house Sotheby's filed an action in United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (Civil Action No. 1:10-cv-5752) against Paris Lighting, Inc., a New York corporation, and two New York City residents for trademark infringement, false designation of origin, trademark dilution, and unfair competition arising out of defendants' use of the SOTHESBY mark in connection with the sale of furniture and lighting.

SOTHESBY has several federal trademark registrations for furniture ("wood and metal furniture") and services related to furniture ("providing information via the global computer network in the field of furniture ...," "appraisal services for others for fine furniture ...," and "conservation and restoration services in the field of fine furniture ..."). Defendants are alleged to be operating a wholesale and retail furniture and lighting fixture store doing business as "European Crystal Chandelier" in New York, New York and using the SOTHESBY mark in connection with the sale of furniture and lighting. Defendants also filed a trademark application to register the trademark SOTHESBY in connection with various types of furniture.

Sotheby's is represented by Cowan Liebowitz & Latman. A Google Maps street view photo of defendants' store is below.