Pardon produced handbags featuring a photograph of Carla Bruni without her permission. After the case was heard in court, the company must pay damages to the first lady of France.
Judge Pierre Lavigne decided that Pardon was never given authorisation to use the photograph of the former model, which was taken in 1993. The judge ordered Pardon to stop production of the bags and discontinue its sales.
Peter Mertès of Pardon agreed to destroy the bags, but added that monetary compensation for what he believed was a simple mistake is excessive.
Bruni and her attorneys were pleased with the outcome of the case.