Gucci has always been vigilant to crack down on counterfeiting and trademark infringement, but now they’re taking a new angle on brand protection.

On January 18, 2010, Gucci and Christie’s will launch “Gucci Collector: Presented by Christie’s”— the very first Gucci-certified online destination for authenticating and appraising vintage Gucci products.

A dedicated section on www.christies.com will allow owners to upload photos of their vintage items and submit an appraisal request.

Petrus, Romanee-Conti, Chateau d’Yquem — wines coveted by connoisseurs, and targeted by counterfeiters.

According to French wine professionals, a handful of rare and fine wines face the same threat from fraud as luxury handbags and designer sunglasses.

Trafficking in fake wine has “always existed a little, but it’s definitely amplified with the rising prices of fine wines”.