France limits and blocks sales on ebay

Over the last few weeks I have been doing my usual browsing of makeup clothes handbags, wigs, hair products and possible mac accessories. So as I notice an instant weave brand new selling at a reasonable price that not even the likes of Pak stores can match I figured I would take a closer look. Only to get this big ol' red and white notice.

 

So there is a law in Paris, France that stops certain products being sold on ebay from France even if it is authentic. I heard a couple of years ago that French customs would now check for fake designer goods with tourist so they could prosecute the tourist and not the source. Well it can only be why and the integrity (what) of the said brands.

I am probably really late but what I have managed to find out is that in June 2008 Ebay was served a fine of £31.6m for not preventing the sale of counterfeit goods belonging to the LVMH group which includes Louis Vuiiton, Christian Dior and Givenchy. This covers handbags, perfumes and clothes and whatever else they produce. The law is a sweeping one so even if the seller is legitimate the law affects them too. Ebay of course where not happy and at the time said :

"Today’s ruling is about an attempt by LVMH to protect uncompetitive commercial practices at the expense of consumer choice and the livelihood of law-abiding sellers that eBay empowers everyday." (source) 

Are these brands wrong in wanting to be selective as to who sells their products, as this effects authentic goods too? Or are they simply protecting their brand identity by deciding who is worthy of selling their products. It reminds me about the Levi Jeans Saga years ago with Tesco. They were able to locate an authentic distributor to buy in bulk and cheap and sell to their customers at a lower price. Levi Strauss was not happy and took Tesco to court as they did not like their clothes being sold next to produce.

The ruling has been upheld after Ebay appealed Having read this press release which contains info about the LVHM group, not only is it clear to me where they want to sell their products too but also to whom. It is unfortunate their ruling also has an affect on other brands who are not as selective as they are. The ebay forums are full of people asking why the Paris law effects something as trivial as conditioner. 

Having delved deeper and explored the forums I found that I could view the products I wanted but by not using Opera and had to use a different browser. Well at least I learned something new today.