Verdict Against eBay in Counterfeit Suit Leaves Consumers Reeling

Portero.com Sets the Standard in the Online Marketplace for Authentication

NEW YORK, JUNE 5 /PRNewswire/ -- A growing number of U.S. and European
court cases regarding the sale of counterfeit luxury products has brought
attention to the very real problem consumers face when purchasing online.
Portero.com, one of the only online auction marketplaces that authenticates
branded luxury products, estimates that as much as $15 billion, or ten percent
of the branded luxury goods sold globally, are counterfeit. The verdict
handed down by a French court ruled that eBay sold counterfeit items and is
therefore liable for damages to French luxury group Hermes. This is the first
verdict in a series of lawsuits brought against eBay by such iconic brands as
Christian Dior Couture, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co.
"Every luxury brand has an obligation to protect consumers against
counterfeits of its merchandise, and consumers should make every effort to
ensure that the branded luxury goods they purchase online or through any other
distribution channel are legitimate," says Milton Pedraza of the Luxury
Institute. "Portero's authentication model is a necessity in order to protect
both consumers and manufacturers from being victimized by counterfeit
merchandise."
Unlike eBay and many other online sites, Portero.com sets the standard in
the online marketplace for the authentication of the branded luxury products
featured on its site. In addition, Portero provides consumers with objective
condition assessments for the goods featured, as well as unique and constantly
changing brands, edited merchandise and dedicated customer support
specialists.
Says Portero Founder and CEO Michael Sheldon, "Since I founded Portero in
2004, we have implemented the most stringent authentication standards in the
online marketplace. I believe the tremendous success we have achieved to
date, and the fact that we have tripled our sales in the last 12 months,
result from our unwavering commitment to these standards and the trust
consumers place in Portero."
About Portero
Portero.com is the pioneer and preeminent online auction platform and
marketplace for branded and authenticated luxury goods. Since its inception
in 2004, Portero has catered to consumers who seek the finest in luxury
lifestyle and luxury collectible products by offering unprecedented access to
authenticated luxury goods at the most competitive prices available, as
determined by the consumer at auction. In addition, Portero.com provides
consumers with objective condition assessments for its featured products, as
well as a constantly changing selection of curated brands and merchandise, and
dedicated specialists to assist customers with their every need. Portero.com
ensures a secure purchasing experience for consumers and guarantees customer
satisfaction.
SOURCE Portero.com

Dotty Giordano, Director, +1-212-377-3588, mobile +1-609-792-5444,
Dotty.Giordano@Evins.com, or Alison Walsh, Senior Account Executive,
+1-212-377-3586, mobile +1-570-947-8064, Alison.Walsh@Evins.com, both of Evins
Communications for Portero.com