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Legal Fashion News
The Design Piracy Prohibition Act was introduced to Congress in 2007 and reintroduced this year. This Act seeks to protect the Intellectual Property Rights of fashion designers. It would provide three years of copyright protection for designs that are registered, this would include clothing, handbags, shoes, belts and eyeglass frames. The Bill imposes a $10K penalty against companies for counterfeit goods “knock offs.”
The opposition argues that this bill will limit creativity and put a burden on fashion designers. Others feel that this is necessary to protect their designs from being copied and suffering dilution of their product. However, there may be an enormous amount of frivolous lawsuits and shut our smaller apparel companies that cannot afford to fight such claims. I’m on the fence right now, because there are arguments that can be made for both sides. What do you think?
Law Associations
Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association
PALS Practicing Attorneys For Law Students Program Inc.
VLA Volunteer Lawyers For The Arts
DANALEE FRANCESCA 