A Fake Gucci Restaurant Opens In Moscow

The founders of this counterfeit establishment have attempted to defend their actions by arguing that they are not infringing on any of Gucci’s rights, as they are operating a restaurant and seeking registrations for “EFAC ICCUG” – not “GUCCI CAFE.” They have also applied for trademarks for inverted versions of “GUCCI,” “DOM GUCCI,” and “GUCCI CAFE” for use in connection with restaurant services.

This bold move highlights the enduring appeal of Western luxury brands in Russia, despite the mass exodus of companies and their products following the onset of war and corresponding sanctions regimes.

The fake Gucci restaurant serves as a dangerous precedent, potentially opening the door for other entrepreneurs to launch businesses under false and misleading names or exploit legal loopholes to avoid copyright infringement consequences. A GUCCI cafe has been opened in Russia — without Gucci’s permission, of course.

The logo is an upside-down GUCCI CAFE, and the furniture inside is upholstered in fabric with GG monograms. The owners also applied for trademarks: inverted GUCCI, DOM GUCCI, and GUCCI CAFE. pic.twitter.com/Q895bqd1ye — младоолігархат (@Oh_89) April 10, 2023 Gucci has…