A Crime of Fashion? Coach Sues Dallas-Based Retailer

The Sam Moon Trading Co. bills itself as having "designer-inspired" handbags at unbeatable prices, but a luxury designer says the purses look too much like its trademark designs.

On Thursday, Coach, Inc. filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against the company, which has stores in Dallas, Fort Worth and Frisco.

Attorney Victor Johnson, who represents Coach, said the high-end designer sent its version of the fashion police to several Sam Moon locations within the past few months.

β€œThey had private investigators go into stores and just look for counterfeit Coach products,” he said.

β€œWe invest significant time money and interest developing good will in our name, in our brand, as well as the products themselves,” Johnson said. β€œWe don’t want someone out there riding our coattails.”

Coach is seeking an unspecified amount of monetary damages and has asked that Sam Moon stop selling the handbags in question.

β€œWe are confident that we do not sell any merchandise that infringes on Coach's trademark," said Daniel Moon, vice president of Sam Moon, in a statement.

An average Coach bag retails for about $400. A Sam Moon handbag sells for about $20.

The suit is the latest in an aggressive legal company by Coach. In December, the company filed lawsuits against Eye Candy Shoes & Accessories in Fort Worth and Majestic Eyewear in Dallas, as well as businesses in Houston.

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