Copyright news and archive

Birkenstock wins copyright dispute against Scapino in the Netherlands

Dutch retail chain Scapino has infringed the copyright of several Birkenstock shoe models. This was the conclusion reached by the Midden-Nederland court in a ruling published this week. Specifically, the decision concerns the Madrid, Arizona and Florida models, whose designs were copied to a “significant extent”, according to the court. Scapino...

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Copyright: online retailer Nelly appeals Shein ruling

The Swedish Nelly Group, a publicly listed online fashion retailer in the Nordic region, has appealed the recent ruling in its legal dispute with Chinese fashion giant Shein. The case began in 2023 when Nelly discovered that Shein had used more than 30 of the company's product images without permission. Although Shein removed the images after...

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Fashion

Making sense of UKIPO's design law consultation: Key areas of reform

Are you involved in or affected by UK design laws? Do you have views on the current design registration and protection regime? Now is your chance to make a difference! On 4 September 2025, the UK’s Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) launched a major consultation on potentially significant reforms to the UK’s designs framework. This was...

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Business

Brandy Melville files federal lawsuits against Temu & Shein over alleged counterfeits

In the face of copycats, Brandy Melville is not one for sitting quietly. A month after filing a federal lawsuit against Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein for alleged copyright infringement, unfair competition, and deceptive sales tactics, the California-based teen retailer has filed another lawsuit against Chinese online marketplace Temu,...

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Labubu vs. 7-11: Global boom fuels Pop Mart's legal offensive against imitators

Labubu, a fluffy-eared elf character with a wide-toothy grin, has become the unassuming centrepiece of an intellectual property dispute. Once a niche collectible, the keychain figurine has evolved into a fashion-forward accessory that has garnered a cult-like following, and competitors have taken notice. Now, Pop Mart, the Chinese toy giant...

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Business

Runway to rip-offs: How copyright protects your creations

Fashion weeks have come to a close. If you're a designer, stylist, or fashion lover, you're likely to be buzzing with inspiration. But at what point does taking inspiration cross the line into copying? And what can you do if someone steals your design? We’ve previously covered design rights and using your name as your brand (i.e. trade mark)....

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Business

Make It Fair: How UK creative industries are fighting back against Big Tech AI

The rapid technological advancements of the past year have caused a significant global shift, leaving many struggling to keep up. The long-term impact of dominant technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), on specific industries remains uncertain. In the UK, tensions surrounding such a topic have risen in recent months, as the...

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Designer accuses Boohoo brands of infringing bikini design

Sonia Edwards, a Wales-based fashion designer, has sued Boohoo Group over allegations that the company and a number of its brands have infringed on her signature bikini design. Edwards is presenting her case at London’s High Court, according to The Times, in an attempt to prevent Boohoo from selling items she claims are copies of the piece....

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Fashion

How Walmart’s Birkin-esque handbag sparked a viral sensation

In the world of high fashion, few accessories command as much attention—or aspiration—as the Hermès Birkin bag. Prized for its exclusivity, craftsmanship, and astronomical price tag that starts in the five figures, the Birkin has become a status symbol for the elite. Yet, an unexpected contender has entered the fray: a 78 dollar bag sold on...

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Business|Opinion

Fashion AI: Cutting through the fabric of falsity

Spanish fast fashion giant Mango released its new ‘Mango Teen’ advertising campaign last month to much fanfare. At first glance, the advert – featuring a model wearing a colourful cropped top, posed against a desert backdrop – is similar to a plethora of other summer campaigns aimed at teenage girls. But upon closer scrutiny, something else...

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Fast fashion face off: Shein hit with lawsuit from competitor Oh Polly

Shein is, once again, facing legal troubles. This time, the Chinese fast fashion giant has been confronted with a lawsuit from a direct competitor, UK-based brand Oh Polly. The complaint, which was filed with England’s High Court, was registered on the Intellectual Property list and was issued by both Oh Polly and its sister brand Bo&Tee. This...

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Plagiarism in fashion: Why is there so much counterfeiting, and is it even allowed?

Trends have always traditionally been dedicated by the runway.The apparel industry looks to runway designs, haute couture as well as ready-to-wear,for inspiration. Designs are reinterpreted for a wider audience or diluted and made more accessible while being sold at ever-lower prices. Source: the article ‘Fashion: from catwalk to closet’ Some...