Verdict Against eBay In Counterfeit Suit Leaves Consumers Reeling

Portero.com Sets The Standard In The Online Marketplace For Authentication

New York, NY (PRWEB) June 5, 2008 -- 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 (www.Portero.com) marketplaces that authenticates branded (www.Portero.com) luxury products, estimates that as much as $15 billion, or ten percent of the branded luxury goods (www.Portero.com) sold globally, are counterfeit. According to Agence France-Presse, 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 (www.Portero.com)," 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 (www.Portero.com) for the authentication of the branded luxury (www.Portero.com) 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.

Press Contact: Evins Communications

Dotty Giordano, Director            

Direct: (212) 377-3588                

Mobile: (609)792-5444                

Dotty.Giordano@Evins.com            

Alison Walsh, Senior Account Executive

Direct: (212) 377-3586

Mobile: (570) 947-8064

Alison.Walsh@Evins.com

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