L’Oréal has lost a case in Belgian court against eBay over fakes sold on its site.

The court has dismissed all claims bought by cosmetics brand owner L’Oréal against ebay over the online sale of counterfeit products bearing its name.

EBay said in a statement: “This is the second successful court ruling in a row for eBay, both supporting our view that controlling prices and distribution reduces consumer choice.

"The litigation of counterfeits against eBay has been exposed as merely a stalking horse. eBay provides a vibrant and trusted marketplace that gives European consumers a good deal. We work to tackle the menace of counterfeit through action and co-operation with rights owners.”

The decision, reached yesterday,comes in the wake of a case bought by US jeweller Tiffany, following a dispute over conterfeit goods on ebay.

Tiffany has appealed against the decision.