In 2014, the Ferragamo Group's anti-counterfeiting efforts, especially focusing on China and the Internet, led to the interception and blocking of approximately 90 000 counterfeit products, which were removed from online auctions; the recovery and/or cancellation of over 350 domain names and illegal websites; the seizure and destruction of over 10 000 counterfeit products; and the Chinese customs authorities’ confiscation of more than 1 500 counterfeit products leaving the country. The Italy-based luxury group estimates that the total value of these goods exceeds seven million dollars.

On top of that, Salvatore Ferragamo confirmed that ten civil court cases against respondents involved in illegal activities were successful for the brand.

“In 2014, we increased the number of e-commerce sites that we monitor. In China, we have also expanded our offline checks, targeting trade fairs and resellers in particular”, commented Ferruccio Ferragamo, Chairman of the Salvatore Ferragamo Group, adding: “Also in China, the 2013 ruling against a high-end hotel whose store sold counterfeit products was upheld on appeal.”

According to Mr Ferragamo the fight against counterfeit will continue: “We will further intensify our commitment to fighting counterfeiting in 2015, both to protect our intellectual property rights and to defend our customers. In this way, we will continue to wage this war with great determination, expanding controls both online and offline and ramping up anti-counterfeit measures, including with the customs authorities.”