3908. Avon Sheep Perfume

Avon Products, Inc. (NYSE: AVP) is a U.S. based, personal care manufacturer and seller company in over 140 countries across the world. Avon had annual sales of $10.8 billion worldwide as of 2010.[2] It is the fifth-largest beauty company and largest direct selling enterprise in the world, with 6.4 million representatives. In 1886, David H. McConnell started the business in a small office at 126 Chambers Street, in lower New York City. In 1892, Mr. McConnell changed the company name when his business partner, who was living in California, suggested that he call the business the California Perfume Company, because of the great abundance of flowers in California. The California Perfume Company, Inc. of New York, NY filed their first trademark application for Avon on June 3, 1932 with the USPTO. Part of the description for goods and services provided to the USPTO included "perfumes, toilet waters, powder and rouge compacts, lipsticks," and other toiletry products. First use and commercial use for Avon by the California Perfume Company was on September 1, 1929. Registration was granted on August 30, 1932. The trademark is owned by Avon Products, Inc. of New York, NY. The status of the original stylized word mark for Avon is expired. Avon sells products in over 140 countries. Brazil is the company's largest market, passing the United States in 2010. Avon entered the Chinese market in 1990, but legal changes in 1998 forced Avon to sell only through physical stores called Beauty Boutiques. The company received China's first license for direct selling in 2006. Avon purchased Silpada, a direct seller of silver jewelry, in 2010 for $650 million. In May of 2012, perfume company Coty offered $24.75 a share for Avon, which was nearly 20% above Avon’s stock price at the time. Avon dragged its feet and Coty withdrew its offer.