Tiffany Triumphs over Costco in Trademark Litigation

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted Tiffany & Co.'s motion for summary judgment in its entirety in Tiffany’s suit against Costco Wholesale Corporation. The Court denied Costco’s claim that “Tiffany” is a generic term for a pronged ring and further found that Costco was liable for trademark infringement and trademark counterfeiting in its use of “Tiffany” on signs in the jewelry cases at Costco to describe certain engagement rings that were not made by Tiffany & Co.


“We are gratified that the Court found that Costco’s use of the TIFFANY trademark infringed on our rights” said Leigh Harlan, Tiffany & Co. Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel. In rendering its decision, the Court concluded that “Tiffany had proffered uncontroverted evidence demonstrating the strength of its mark.” Ms. Harlan added, “We believe this decision further validates the strength and value of the Tiffany mark and reinforces our continuing efforts to protect the brand.”


Tiffany is the internationally renowned jeweler founded in New York in 1837. Through its subsidiaries, Tiffany & Co. manufactures products and operates TIFFANY & CO. retail stores worldwide, and also engages in direct selling through Internet, catalog and business gift operations.