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The Financial Times weighs in today with a nuanced look at the recent French court ruling against eBay. Taking the middle road, the Financial Times argues that while eBay cannot strictly be held accountable for the actions of its users, eBay must try to do more to combat the counterfeiting threat. Such measures, the Financial Times adds, would benefit eBay as well, lest it becomes seen as merely a gallery of rogues, counterfeiters, and cheats.

Commenting specifically on one aspect of the court ruling, the Financial Times takes issue with the finding of eBay's liability for legitimate goods sold on eBay that violate exclusive distribution agreements. Leaks in the supply chain, says the Financial Times, should be the sole responsibility of the manufacturer.