Home / Knife Business / Case Closed on Counterfeit Swiss Army Knives: Victorinox Awarded $9.8 Million in Damages

Case Closed on Counterfeit Swiss Army Knives: Victorinox Awarded $9.8 Million in Damages

November 4, 2015

Victorinox was awarded a $9.8 million judgement in its lawsuit against Texas-based wholesaler The B & F System, Inc. over trademark infringement. Victorinox initiated the suit in 2013 when they discovered The B & F System marketing red-handled multi-tool pocket knives that significantly resembled their iconic swiss army knives.

“We are gratified with the decision of the Court as it protects the Swiss Army Knife brand which has been, and continues to be, an important driver in conducting our business for more than 130 years,” said René Stutz, President and CEO of Victorinox Swiss Army.

Ruling in Victorinox’s favor, Federal District Court Senior Judge Jed S. Rakoff of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on October 22, 2015 granted Victorinox a total award of $9,808,332.44 including treble damages, interest and counsel fees according to Victorinox. The court’s judgment found The B & F System and its president John D. Meyer guilty of trademark infringement, counterfeiting, false designation of origin, and unfair competition. A recall of The B & F System’s knives has also been ordered.

“Since it was first introduced in Switzerland in 1897, our iconic ‘little red pocket knife’, has, in a most unique way, come to symbolize excellence in Swiss craftsmanship, innovation and unsurpassed quality that generations of consumers have come to trust from Victorinox Swiss Army Knives,” Stutz continued. “This legal victory protects our brand and, most importantly, protects consumers from confusion in the marketplace due to counterfeit product. We will continue to steadfastly pursue any person or organization that purports to deceive consumers with counterfeit products using the trademarked Swiss Army Knife brand.”

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