It is not incorrect to pin-point that COVID-19 has impacted the life of humans in different ways. Alas! Who thought that a time would arrive where it shall become mandatory for humans to cover their mouths? Funny fact being, corona masks have become the new fashion trend available in flowery, abstract and colourful patterns, besides the regular plain ones. Irrespective of the bandwagon, many customers still prefer safety over vogue. This is the reason 3M still holds its position as one of the highest marketer of safety masks despite of level pegging competition. Recently, 3M decided to reconcile matters with one mask merchant, Geftico LLC in the suit pertaining to price gouging.
The American multinational corporation, 3M Co. is engaged in manufacturing and sales of health care and general consumer goods including electrical and hardware appliances. Founded in the 1902, this Minnesota-based international marketer is currently headed by Mr. Mike Roman. In the present-day corona crisis 3M’s N95 masks attracts the highest demands owing to uncompromising quality and fair prices. To meet such demands, this Minnesota-based company entered into various tie-ups with wholesalers and distributors for further re-selling purposes to satisfy consumer needs.
Not very long ago, 3M witnessed instances where one of the re-seller Geftico LLC sold 3M branded N95 masks, at prices four times inflated than the legible one, in an attempt to make millions. Various misleading and falsifying statements were made by the authorized re-seller to lure the customers into purchasing high-priced masks. Owing to such an unfair practice, 3M filed a lawsuit before Federal Court of Florida claiming misuse of its trademarks and usage of misleading language to deceive customers monetarily.
The defendant argued, that such allegations is a manipulative attempt by 3M “take the heat off” from “the debacle of selling U.S.-manufactured respirators to Canada and Latin America rather than to the United States.” It was added that, the defendant was not the one to offer re-sale tie-ups and did not have any direct relationship with the 107-year old American conglomerate.
Subsequently, Justice Mendoza on April 30th, restrained Geftico from misusing 3M’s trademarks on the ground, “in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the harm that could occur should fraudulent masks be introduced by Defendant into the public.”
However, the previous week, in a court filing 3M stated that the present trademark dispute has been settled between the parties but kept mum about the details of settlement agreement.
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