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LVMH - The Paris Court of Appeal Confirms eBay's Liability

The ruling confirms the decision by the Paris Commercial Court on June 30, 2008, which established the principle of eBay's liability for engaging in the sale of counterfeit products as well as products reserved for selective distribution. This decision also dismissed eBay's claim for exemption on the ground that it was acting as a mere provider of hosting services.

In addition, the Court prohibits eBay from direct or indirect violation of selective distribution networks in the future.

Today's ruling further orders eBay Inc. and eBay AG to pay penalties amounting to 5.7 million Euros. It also gives the possibility for the claimants to seek redress before foreign courts for damages suffered in their jurisdictions.

LVMH welcomes the establishment of this case-law, which constitutes a major step in the further protection of consumers.

The Court's ruling helps to clarify the rules applicable to e-commerce in order to prevent illicit online practices and to ensure greater legal certainty to the benefit of consumers operating online.

The ruling confirms the importance of selective distribution, which ensures the authenticity and quality of products for consumers. Selective distribution also generates numerous jobs and contributes to the ongoing worldwide success of European luxury goods brands.

About LVMH

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton is the world's leading luxury goods group. The Group is represented in Wines and Spirits by a portfolio of brands that includes Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Krug, Ruinart, Château d'Yquem, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Belvedere Vodka, Chopin, 10 Cane, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Green Point, Cape Mentelle, Newton.

Its Fashion and Leather Goods division includes Louis Vuitton, the world's leading luxury brand, as well as Celine, Loewe, Kenzo, Givenchy, Thomas Pink, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Berluti and StefanoBi. LVMH is present in the Perfumes and Cosmetics sector with Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy, Parfums Kenzo, Perfumes Loewe as well as other promising cosmetic companies (BeneFit Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever, Acqua di Parma and Fresh). LVMH is also active in selective retailing through DFS, Sephora in Europe and the United States, Le Bon Marche, la Samaritaine and Sack's. LVMH's Watches and Jewelry division comprises TAG Heuer, Chaumet, Christian Dior Watches, Zenith, Fred, Hublot and De Beers Diamond Jewellers Limited, a joint venture created with the world's leading diamond group.

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