Callaway Golf has achieved another successful outcome in its continuing effort to stop the unauthorised importation of Callaway Golf products from outside the European Economic Area. Specifically, Golf Distribution U.K. Limited (trading as Golf Deals Direct), and its owner, Stephen Elford, each agreed to immediately stop importing Callaway Golf products from outside the European Economic Area. They also agreed to turn over records demonstrating the source of the products in question. Mr Elford and Golf Distribution agreed to the settlement to avoid a potential legal suit by Callaway Golf for trademark infringement.
This settlement represents Callaway Golf’s second successful effort against a so-called “grey market” seller of Callaway Golf products. Earlier this year Callaway Golf reached a settlement with Golf 56, a Spanish retailer engaged in similar activity. Importation of ‘grey market’ products from outside the European Economic Area interferes with the operation of Callaway Golf’s carefully selected network of ‘preferred retailers’, leading to a reduction in consumer benefits and service.
Callaway Golf urges consumers to deal only with authorized stockists of Callaway Golf products, a list of which can be found on its website, www.callawaygolf.co.uk We are very pleased with this result” remarked Neil Howie, managing director of Callaway Golf Europe. “We took this action because we believe that our network of Preferred Retailers provides an outstanding experience to consumers, and that unauthorized retailers are getting a ‘free ride’ on the efforts of Callaway Golf Europe and our Preferred Retailers. It is our opinion that “grey market” goods imported from outside the European Economic Area without Callaway Golf’s consent and purchased from unauthorized shops and Internet sites are not sold with the right training and service, and this can damage the Callaway Golf brand. Furthermore, products purchased from unauthorised retailers are not covered by Callaway Golf’s worldwide warranty.”
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