Caleres, Inc. (NYSE: CAL), Caleres is a market-leading portfolio of global footwear brands that includes Famous Footwear, Allen Edmonds, Sam Edelman, Stuart Weitzman, Naturalizer, Vionic, and more. SAM EDELMAN, founded in 2004, is operated by Edelman Shoe, Inc., a subsidiary of Caleres. Elegance and fashion are the essence of SAM EDELMAN's design. Its main products include different kinds of ladies’ shoes, bags, boots, etc. In the United States, SAM EDELMAN has boutique department stores and about 500 independent retail outlets. Globally, SAM EDELMAN has franchises in more than 450 regions in 32 countries. In 2015, SAM EDELMAN brand entered in China and started the online and offline business.

Caleres, Inc., along with its affiliate, Edelman Shoe, Inc., attaches great importance to protecting its intellectual property rights, and spares no efforts to take actions and hold infringers liable. As one of Caleres’ lead brands, Sam Edelman have always been a focus of protection efforts. Chang Tsi & Partners, acting as Caleres' IP counsel in China, has tirelessly supported Caleres in addressing infringement cases, committed to safeguarding IP rights.

Case Details

In 2021, several stores selling Sam Edelman counterfeit products in Houjie Town, Dongguan were located. Following the client instructions, the Chang Tsi team reported these findings to the Dongguan Administration for Market Regulation (Dongguan AMR) and assisted in initiating a raid, successfully seizing a large number of suspected infringing products. After investigation, the Dongguan AMR imposed administrative penalties on the infringers, including confiscation and destruction of the infringing products and fines. Subsequently, Chang Tsi has continued to monitor the market in this area, promptly reporting newly discovered infringements to maintain strong pressure against such infringement.

In December 2024, the Chang Tsi team once again identified potential infringement activities in the same area. Working closely with the Dongguan AMR, swift action was taken, and 42 pairs of shoes bearing the label “8ow 3aleewam” were seized on-site. The Dongguan AMR determined that the label was similar to the trademark “Sam Edelman” owned by Edelman Shoe, Inc. and confiscated all the products involved in the case.

During the investigation, the infringer, Dongguan Yujiao Trading Co., Ltd., submitted several documents in an attempt to prove that its label “8ow 3aleewam” was unrelated to “Sam Edelman”. These documents included a Notice of Trademark Application Acceptance, a Copyright Registration Certificate, and a Design Patent Certificate, etc. However, after reviewed by the Dongguan AMR, none of the submitted evidence was accepted. Ultimately, the Dongguan AMR determined that Dongguan Yujiao Trading Co., Ltd.’s manufacturing and sale of shoes bearing the “8ow 3aleewam” label constituted trademark infringement. The AMR imposed penalties in accordance with the law, ordering the cessation of the infringement, the destruction of the infringing products involved in the case, and the payment of a fine.

Significance

Through years of continuous efforts to combat infringement in the Dongguan area, Chang Tsi & Partners, collaborated with the Dongguan AMR, have effectively safeguarded the legitimate rights and interests of our client. The AMR not only imposes strict penalties on outright counterfeit products but also takes decisive action against infringing products bearing similar marks, demonstrating its firm commitment and efficiency in intellectual property protection. These actions not only protect the trademark rights of the brand owner but also serve as a strong deterrent to potential infringers. On behalf of our client, Chang Tsi & Partners presented a banner to the Dongguan AMR to express their sincere gratitude.