Hermes Birkin

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis VuittonPrada Bags SA'expanding its fight against counterfeiters beyond courts'won a U.S. trade ruling that will help it keep knockoff Louis Vuitton handbags'luggage and accessories from entering the U.S.

The French luxury goods maker filed the complaint last year'accusing a Chinese couple of setting up shell companies to sell counterfeit and knockoff handbags in the U.S. Notice of the International Trade Commission’s order was posted yesterday on thederrick rose shoes agency’s website.

Louis Vuitton’s use of an ITC complaint to protect a brand valued at $25.9 billion by Millward Brown Optimor’s 2012 BrandZ study may be emulated by other luxury goods makers'said Michelle Marsh of Kenyon & Kenyon inkobe shoes New York'who specializes in fashion-related trademark issues.

"I can see it being very helpful for industries struggling with counterfeiters'like the blue jeans industry," Marsh said in an interview. "There is the hope that you have somewhat of a deterrent by being aggressive. This is definitely going to open another avenue that has not been used perhaps enough."

The ITC'which investigates claims of unfair trade practices including violationsCoach Outlet of intellectual-property rights'more often handles patent-infringement cases.

Paris-based Louis Vuitton'named the world’s most valuable luxury brand for the seventh year'has sued companies that run websites and already works with customs officials and other law enforcement to seize counterfeit goods.

The order'which will go into effect in 60 daysHermes Birkin unless President Barack Obama overrules it on public policy grounds'directs Customs and Border Protection to turn away any products that are made in a way that is similar or copies the Louis Vuitton trademarks.