Maui Jim Beats Sunglasses Retailer’s Antitrust Counterclaims

Online glasses retailer SmartBuy Guru Enterprises has lost most of its counterclaims in a lawsuit accusing it of counterfeiting sunglasses made by Maui Jim Inc.

SBG, facing claims that it sells and falsely advertises Maui Jim frames outfitted with its own lenses, countered with accusations that Maui Jim violates state, federal, and European antitrust laws by restricting the retailer’s access to its products. SBG also brought counterclaims for defamation, trade disparagement, and unfair competition.

Judge Marvin E. Aspen of the Northern District of Illinois dismissed nearly all those claims May 10, saying SBG’s antitrust allegations are self-defeating. The company can’t ...