A small enterprise proprietor has discovered herself embroiled in a authorized battle with one of many world’s largest luxurious conglomerates owned by the planet’s richest man, Bernard Arnoult.
Kenz Magnificence, a skincare model specialising in all-natural merchandise, has been issued a letter from Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy’s subsidiary, Kenzo, claiming that their identify is “deceptively similar” and demanding a direct change.
Rim Daghmash, the founding father of Kenz Magnificence, is combating to guard the enterprise she created as a tribute to her four-year-old daughter, Kenzie, who has autism.
Impressed by her daughter’s interior magnificence, Daghmash aimed to counteract the unfavorable stigma related to autism by incorporating Kenzie’s identify into the enterprise and donating a portion of each sale to autism analysis.
“We wanted to change the narrative and show the world that autistic children are beautiful,” Daghmash mentioned on Wednesday evening’s version of A Present Affair. ”That‘s why we started Kenz Beauty.”
However, the company‘s positive message has come under attack from Kenzo, part of the global luxury powerhouse LVMH and owned by Arnault, who has an estimated net worth of $311 billion (AUD).
Despite the stark differences in the two business names, Kenzo has demanded that Kenz Beauty change its name.
Daghmash is unable to afford the exorbitant legal fees and has offered mediation, which has so far been ignored. “They are a giant brand, and I feel like they are crushing us,” she says.
“I think it‘s bullying, I think it’s simply the large company bullying a small enterprise. We’re not a menace to them, we’re only a small startup, a household enterprise.
“A five-year-old will be capable to inform the distinction between Kenzo and Kenz Magnificence. They‘re two completely totally different names. Our model, our logos, our merchandise are totally different.”
The lack of the Kenz Magnificence identify wouldn’t solely strip Daghmash of her monetary earnings, however would additionally take away from the central message of her enterprise: that Kenzie and all autistic youngsters are lovely.
“I put my heart and soul into this business, and I just want them to leave me alone,” Daghmash says, with a way of injustice and frustration.
It is a traditional David versus Goliath story, the place a small enterprise proprietor with a strong message is battling a multinational conglomerate with seemingly limitless sources.
It’s also essential to level out that Louis Vuitton often claims it helps the expansion of small enterprise and inclusivity.
The result of this authorized battle stays to be seen, however one factor is for sure – Daghmash‘s unwavering dedication to her daughter and her trigger is not going to be silenced.
“In my experience, companies such as Louis Vuitton almost have endless resources when it comes to this sort of thing,” Patent lawyer Sharon Givoni mentioned.
“They can basically keep coming back until the small company simply runs out of puff and out of money.”
A press release realeased by a Kenzo spokesperson mentioned the enterprise was merely attempting to “protect its brand” and “fight against infringement”.
“Kenzo is acting worldwide to protect its brand and products in order to avoid any risk of confusion with a third-party brand and, above all, to fight against infringement,” an announcement launched to Channel 9 learn.
“Discussions have been initiated with the founder of “Kenz Beauty”, with out ever questioning the existence, the values and the functioning of this model, however merely to keep away from any threat of confusion to the general public.
“Discussions are ongoing and we are willing to reach an amicable agreement that will preserve our mutual interests, just as we wish full success to Ms Daghmash and the action she is achieving via her company.”
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