LaserPerformance wins Laser trademark case

The Court of Appeals in Antwerp, Belgium denied on January 19, 2015 the trademark infringement appeal from Belgian dealer OptiTeam BVBA and importer Natisch Centerum Delfzijl – Tecinvest BV, and upheld the original decision of September 24, 2013 which favored LaserPerformance.

The lawsuit was brought against OptiTeam and Tecinvest for illegally importing and selling boats and parts manufactured by Performance Sailcraft Australia (PSA) for distribution into LaserPerformance’s territories in Europe including Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg. After review by the Court of Appeals in Antwerp, the appeal from OptiTeam has been dismissed and LaserPerformance has been declared the winner of the case on all points.

The judgment confirms that LaserPerformance is the only entity with the right to the Laser trademarks in Europe. Based on the outcome of the trial, LaserPerformance is entitled to financial compensation, assets can be seized, and OptiTeam BVBA and importer Natisch Centerum Delfzijl – Tecinvest BV are prohibited from any future violations.

Says LaserPerformance: “We will continue to take any and all legal action against any entity who is illegally and systematically importing PSA, and other, manufactured boats and parts into our trademark territories that include Europe, North America, South America, Africa and most of Asia.”