Michael Kors lawsuits in recent years fall into two groups: cases the brand has filed to protect its trademarks against copycats and counterfeiters, and class actions filed against the brand by shoppers who say its outlet stores advertised fake discounts. The most consequential for ordinary consumers are the two outlet pricing class actions, one of which paid cash to buyers in 2016 and another that is currently distributing $30 merchandise certificates to eligible outlet shoppers.
Outlet Store Pricing Class Actions
Two separate class actions have accused Michael Kors of using inflated reference prices on outlet store tags to make shoppers believe they were getting a discount on products that, according to the plaintiffs, were made exclusively for outlet sale and never carried the higher price in regular stores.
The 2014 Gattinella Settlement
The first case, Gattinella v. Michael Kors (USA) Inc., was filed in July 2014 in the Southern District of New York. The complaint focused on outlet tags that paired a “Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price” with “Our Price,” creating what the plaintiffs called a misleading impression of savings on items that had never actually sold at the MSRP.1Business of Fashion. Michael Kors Settles US Lawsuit Alleging Deceptive Price Tags
Michael Kors denied wrongdoing and settled for $4,875,000. The company agreed to replace “MSRP” on outlet tags with the word “Value” and add in-store signage explaining the term, or to drop reference prices on outlet-exclusive products entirely.2Truth in Advertising. Michael Kors to Change Alleged Deceptive Outlet Store Pricing Tags The class covered outlet purchases between July 25, 2010, and July 25, 2014.1Business of Fashion. Michael Kors Settles US Lawsuit Alleging Deceptive Price Tags Payments began going out in June 2016, with individual checks worth up to $170.04 depending on whether the claimant had receipts.3Top Class Actions. NY Federal Judge Approves Michael Kors Fake Sale Class Action Settlement
The 2023 McCall Settlement
Nearly a decade later, McCall et al. v. Michael Kors (USA), Inc. was filed in May 2023 in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, alleging that Kors was still using deceptive reference prices on outlet goods that were, in practice, always on sale.4ClassAction.org. Up to $2M Michael Kors Settlement Ends Class Action Over Allegedly False Discounts Some claims under New York and New Jersey law were dismissed, and the remaining claims were resolved through mediation.5USA Today. Michael Kors Outlet Settlement Store Credit
Michael Kors denied wrongdoing and agreed to a settlement valued at up to $2 million, which received preliminary approval in November 2025. Eligible class members get a one-time $30 merchandise certificate for use at Michael Kors outlet stores. The class covers anyone in the United States who made a qualifying outlet purchase between May 10, 2019, and November 14, 2025.4ClassAction.org. Up to $2M Michael Kors Settlement Ends Class Action Over Allegedly False Discounts KORSVIP rewards members in California or Oregon who received notice are set to receive the certificate automatically; other eligible shoppers must file a claim. Certificates expire 90 days after issue and carry no residual value on purchases under $30.6Michael Kors Outlet Settlement. Frequently Asked Questions
The deadline to file a claim, opt out, or object was extended to March 20, 2026. The fairness hearing before Judge William Y. Wood is scheduled for March 27, 2026. Class counsel’s fees and administration costs are capped at $1,985,000, and the three named plaintiffs may each receive service awards of up to $5,000.7Michael Kors Outlet Settlement. McCall et al. v. Michael Kors (USA), Inc. Settlement
Trademark Suit Against MKP Fashion
In February 2025, Michael Kors LLC sued MKP Fashion Inc., a California handbag company, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint, Case No. 1:25-cv-01517 before Judge Colleen McMahon, accused MKP of having “slavishly copied” the Michael Kors “MK” circle logos and selling handbags under confusingly similar “M” marks.8Bloomberg Law. Michael Kors Files Trademark Infringement Suit Over MK Logos Kors said it had used its circle logo and signature pattern since at least 2007 and alleged “actual confusion in the marketplace.”
MKP sells women’s handbags, backpacks, crossbody bags, clutches, and wallets through mkphandbags.com under the “MKP COLLECTION” name, with product descriptions using terms like “Designer Signature” and “Monogram.”9MKP Handbags. MKP Handbags Kors sought damages, a permanent injunction, and cancellation of MKP’s registrations for its “M” mark.10Bloomberg Law. Michael Kors, MKP Fashion End Trademark Lawsuit Over MK Logos
The case never reached trial. On May 18, 2026, the parties filed a stipulation of voluntary dismissal without prejudice, and the case was formally terminated the next day.11PACER Monitor. Michael Kors, LLC v. MKP Fashion, Inc. Because the dismissal was without prejudice, Kors could refile the claims in the future. No settlement terms were disclosed publicly.12Bloomberg Tax. Michael Kors, MKP Fashion End Trademark Lawsuit Over MK Logos
Counterfeit Watch Case in the Eastern District of New York
In June 2020, Fossil Group, which makes watches under a licensing deal with Michael Kors, and Michael Kors itself jointly sued Angel Seller LLC and its owner Eric Sternberg in the Eastern District of New York, alleging that Angel Seller had sold counterfeit Michael Kors watches through an Amazon storefront.13The Fashion Law. Jury to Decide Counterfeiting Claims in Michael Kors Amazon Seller Case The claims included trademark counterfeiting, infringement, dilution, unfair competition, and violations of New York’s deceptive business practices statute.
Fossil identified eight specific watches it called counterfeit or “suspicious,” citing hangtag inconsistencies and packaging errors. Amazon suspended Angel Seller’s storefront, and the defendants said they lost roughly $150,000 in inventory along with weeks of sales.14CCH. Fossil Group v. Angel Seller, Memorandum and Order Angel Seller tried to add RICO counterclaims accusing the plaintiffs of running a “protection racket” against resellers of genuine goods; a magistrate judge recommended denying that motion as futile.15FindLaw. Fossil Group, Inc. v. Angel Seller LLC A defamation counterclaim was initially allowed but later dismissed, as was the plaintiffs’ New York deceptive business practices claim.13The Fashion Law. Jury to Decide Counterfeiting Claims in Michael Kors Amazon Seller Case
In April 2025, the court denied summary judgment for both sides, finding that a jury would have to decide whether the watches were counterfeit, and that Angel Seller’s first sale doctrine defense remained live if the watches turned out to be genuine.14CCH. Fossil Group v. Angel Seller, Memorandum and Order The case was headed to trial, with no damages awarded as of that ruling.
Who Owns Michael Kors
Michael Kors was founded in New York City in 1981. Its parent company, formerly Michael Kors Holdings Limited, rebranded as Capri Holdings Limited in 2018 after acquiring Gianni Versace for roughly $2.12 billion; Capri’s portfolio also includes Jimmy Choo.16Capri Holdings. Michael Kors Holdings Limited to Be Renamed Capri Holdings Limited In August 2023, Tapestry Inc., which owns Coach and Kate Spade, agreed to buy Capri for $8.5 billion, but the Federal Trade Commission sued to block the deal, arguing it would harm competition in the accessible luxury handbag market.17Federal Trade Commission. Capri Holdings Answer, Public Record