Combatting counterfeit is like war on drugs
29/04/2008
Louis Vuitton vice-president, Philippe Schaus, has confirmed that leathergoods continue to be the mainstay of his company's success, although shoes and watches are growth areas. He has also compared efforts to stamp out counterfeiting of Louis Vuitton leathergoods to the efforts of governments and security forces to eradicate trade in illegal drugs.
In conversation with a Spanish newspaper, Mr Schaus said: “This is like the fight against drugs. Every battle [against counterfeit goods] is important; you have to win it. But you will never win the war.”
He said Louis Vuitton spent between €15 million and €20 million a year on this part of its business. It has a network of 250 inspectors in place, as well as a dedicated legal team, working closely with customs agents and police departments around the world. He quoted figures for 2004, saying the company's investigations led to 6,000 raids and the arrest of 1,000 counterfeiters.
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