A New York federal court has dismissed antitrust counterclaims filed by The RealReal against Chanel, following the luxury fashion house’s allegations that the resale platform sold counterfeit handbags. This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between the two companies.
Chanel initiated the lawsuit in 2018, accusing The RealReal of trademark infringement and counterfeiting. The RealReal responded by filing counterclaims, alleging that Chanel engaged in anticompetitive behavior to monopolize the market for its products. Specifically, The RealReal contended that Chanel entered into exclusive agreements with high-end retailers and coerced them to avoid business with resellers, engaged in group boycotts with advertisers to prevent competitors from advertising in prominent locations, and falsely advertised that resellers sell counterfeit goods. ([mlex.com](https://www.mlex.com/mlex/articles/2128102/the-realreal-files-antitrust-counterclaims-against-chanel?utm_source=openai))
In March 2026, Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein lifted a stay that had been in place since July 2024, as settlement discussions between the parties had been unsuccessful. The court directed the parties to consult again on any outstanding discovery disputes and to file a joint letter proposing the remaining discovery and other deadlines in the case. ([docs.justia.com](https://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/new-york/nysdce/1%3A2018cv10626/504750/411?utm_source=openai))
Subsequently, Judge Vernon S. Broderick invited both parties to submit supplemental briefs addressing any changes in case law that might affect the decision on Chanel’s motion to dismiss The RealReal’s counterclaims. ([docs.justia.com](https://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/new-york/nysdce/1%3A2018cv10626/504750/412?utm_source=openai))
The court’s dismissal of The RealReal’s antitrust counterclaims allows Chanel to proceed with its original allegations of trademark infringement and counterfeiting. This outcome underscores the complexities involved in the intersection of luxury brand protection and the burgeoning resale market.
Legal professionals and industry observers will be closely monitoring the progression of this case, as it may set important precedents regarding the rights of luxury brands to control the distribution and resale of their products, as well as the legal boundaries of competition in the secondary market.