Counterfeit Converse footwear seized

Business Wire, March 14, 1997

NORTH READING, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 14, 1997--

Over $250,000 in bogus sneakers netted in Los Angeles

As part of its continuing effort to halt the sales and distribution of bogus products which infringe on its trademarks, Converse Inc. today announced that approximately 250,000 pairs of counterfeit canvas All Star sneakers were confiscated from American Shoe Corp. in Los Angeles.

The seized merchandise, with a total retail value of approximately $250,000, was made in China and bound for distribution in California and Mexico. The seizure was the result of a temporary restraining and seizure order issued by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

The bogus shoes, which do not bear the Converse name, simulate the Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers and counterfeit the company's famous All Star logo ankle patch and five-pointed star marks. Since the All Star sneaker was introduced in 1917, over 550 million pairs have been sold worldwide.

"Converse will continue to aggressively protect itself from such blatant theft of its five-pointed star trademark which is synonymous with Converse shoes," said Converse Senior Vice President and General Counsel Jack Green. "We want to ensure that when consumers see the familiar All Star patch, they are getting the heritage and quality they expect from Converse."

Converse, the largest U.S. manufacturer of athletic footwear, is a leading designer, manufacturer and ,marketer of high quality athletic and leisure footwear and apparel and is a licenser of sports apparel and accessories that are distributed worldwide through over 9,000 athletic specialty, sporting goods, department and shoe stores.

CONTACT: Converse Inc.

Ellen Pulda, 508-664-7522

Helene Fletcher, 508-664-7509