April 2006
New York Fashionistas Clamp Down on Copying
A recent meeting of The Council of Fashion Designers of America has again highlighted the problem of copying in the fashion industry. There has always been a fine line between “drawing inspiration” from an existing design and outright copying in an industry where the tradition view has sometimes been to accept that copying occurs. We don’t feel that this should be the case and neither, it appears does The CFDA who are apparently pressing their members to take action against infringers.
This is not without its problems however. Many designers feel that the main culprits of copying can tend to be the own brand labels within big department stores that they rely on to stock their ranges in the first place. Commercially it is not necessarily appropriate to sue your best clients but equally sitting back and accepting the situation means your business suffers.
BRIFFA Comment:
It is important to show the world that you are not prepared to have your designs stolen left right and centre. Taking strategic action will make third parties stop and think twice before “drawing inspiration” from your next collection. At Briffa we stop and think of the commercial merits of any action rather than just the legal perspective. We can work with you to come up with the best plan of action whether it be a quiet word or well phrased email with a regular customer or a letter before action and if needs be court proceeding for a more serious offender.
Sarah Jeffery
Sarah@briffa.com