Ebay fined for selling fake goods

Ebay has been fined 20,000 euros for selling fake goods online.

The auction giant was taken to the Tribunal de Grande Instance over the sale of three Hermès bags – two of which were fake – at a total of 3,000 euros via its site.

Lawyers on behalf of Hermès said that eBay was ‘an active player in the transaction’ as it intervened in buying and selling disputes, was informed of sales and took a fee.

Ebay lawyers have argued that the site was just a host and was not obliged to check all goods sold by users.

Lawyer Emmanuel Colomes said the case was a ‘first for France’ and added that Hermès was satisfied with the outcome.

The ruling could have an impact on other online sellers.

Fashion brands Louis Vuitton and Dior have also taken eBay to court in France seeking 20 million and 17 million euros in damages respectively. Rulings are expected later this month.

Ebay has yet to comment on the court’s decision.

Image: Ebay trademark