Louis Vuitton Sues Casino Over Gift Bags That Resemble Its Monogram

^{Pictured: Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland}

French luxury brand Louis Vuitton has filed a lawsuit against the Maryland-based Live! Casino & Hotel, Casino.org reported. The casino is located in Hanover, Maryland. Louis Vuitton claims the casino’s April promotion featured a design closely resembling its signature monogram.

The dispute concerns the “Art of Luxury” promotion held by the casino in April. The complaint states that visitors were offered gift items, including a handbag, cosmetic pouch, backpack and travel bag.

^{Live! Casino bags (left) and Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram pattern (right)}

Louis Vuitton says the items imitated its signature floral-patterned monogram. However, the products bore the word “Live!” — the casino’s name — instead of the “LV” initials.

Live! Casino bags, left, and Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram pattern, right.

Louis Vuitton says the promotion could mislead customers into thinking the casino was affiliated with the fashion house or had permission to use a similar design. The complaint also says visitors were not told that the gift items were not genuine Louis Vuitton products.

The company accuses the casino and affiliated entities of trademark infringement, false association with the brand and unfair competition.

Louis Vuitton is seeking an injunction to prevent further use of the disputed items and advertising, the destruction of remaining products and promotional materials, and the publication of corrective statements.

The brand is also seeking damages, profits generated by the promotion, legal costs, and up to $2 million per infringing trademark in each product category.