Infringement of trademark rights ByLima with counterfeit scarves

Despite an earlier lawsuit filed by ByLima against counterfeit product providers (see ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2019:10129 and KG ZA 19-132 MW/EB), which held that there was a violation of its intellectual property rights, this does not seem to deter them from continuing. Indeed, on August 5, 2025, the preliminary injunction judge had to rule again in a summary proceedings. In it, ByLima was again vindicated. The verdict (C/16/595891 / KG ZA 25-310) is published at ie-forum.co.uk and is discussed by attorney Myrthe de Vries.

Counterfeiting continues

ByLima is engaged in manufacturing head scarves (hijabs) and shawls. In recent years, ByLima products have become very popular. For example, these products are sold in the Bijenkorf department store, among others. This popularity is also reflected in the number of counterfeit products that have increased from these in recent years. For example, the counterfeit scarves and clothing are sold through various platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Vinted. This case focused on whether the defendant was involved in the sale of counterfeit products bearing the ByLima trademark. If that question was answered in the affirmative, it also turned on whether the defendant had thereby infringed the trademark rights From ByLima.

Involvement of defendant

According to ByLima, the fake scarves would be sold through domain names such as ‘’ghost mode’’ and ‘’ghost mode00’’ until early 2025. These domain names were found to be registered under the name of the party in question. ByLima summoned the selling party to cease operations. This was agreed to. However, despite the agreements made, sales continued through the webshop ByYazz. The preliminary relief judge was convinced of the involvement of the addressed party. Although in all likelihood several persons were involved, only the defendant in these proceedings could be held responsible since the selling party refused to disclose the others involved.

Trademark infringement on scarves from ByLima

By selling counterfeit scarves with the logo of ByLima, it is evident that infringement of the trademark law of Bylima. In fact, ByLima has registered three figurative trademarks with the Benelux Office for the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property. (Boip) and the word mark ByLima at the European Intellectual property Office (EUIPO).

No copyright infringement by ByLima

ByLima also argued that the webshop ByYazz infringed ByLima's copyright, since audiovisual recordings and photographs copied from ByLima's website were used to promote the webshop. If both websites are put side by side, it is clear that ByYazz copied the website. However, according to the preliminary relief judge, ByLima failed to prove that it is the creator of the ByLima website and is therefore the copyright holder.

The judge ruled that:

“4.7. BYLIMA c.s. claims that defendant infringes its copyright with the webshop ByYazz, because this webshop uses audiovisual recordings and photos copied from the website of BYLIMA c.s. to promote the infringing products. Looking at the websites of ByYazz and BYLIMA it is clear that ByYazz copied the website of BYLIMA. But, what BYLIMA et al. have not made sufficiently clear is whether she is the copyright owner of the recordings, photographs and design of her website, or in other words whether she is the creator of the website within the meaning of the Copyright Act. This part of the claim is therefore dismissed.”

Conviction for trademark infringement

The preliminary injunction judge imposed a penalty of €500 per day with a maximum of €25,000 on the selling party as long as it did not comply with the orders. ByLima must initiate proceedings on the merits within six months or the injunction will expire. The selling party was also ordered to pay legal costs of €14,584.89.

Intellectual property lawyer

This ruling shows the importance of taking swift action against trademark infringement. Is your trademark being used or counterfeited without permission? Do you want to take immediate action against an infringement of your intellectual property rights? The IE specialists from Lexys are ready to protect your brand.