FAME APPEAL

Fashion Law pioneer Susan Scafidi and myself @LVMH Magic room

An evening at Louis Vuitton headquarters in NYC,  Michael Pantalony Esq, protector of Intellectual Property of Louis Vuitton Moet Hennesey Fashion Group (LVMH) stated “If you come close to copying the (Louis Vuitton) Mark you will hear from LV,” keynote speaker @Fordham Fashion Law Institute’s CLE Mr. Pantaloney took current copyright protection to the butchering block.The sheer number of companies that he must sue can easily make an observer forget LVMH’s market strength. On the other hand, it serves as a reminder that LVMH still needs to protect itself. Everyone is copying LV and their companies (such as Givenchy and Marc Jacob); we see the infamous Forever 21 rip-offs, knock off skirts by Zara, counterfeit dresses by Bloomsbury, and numerous look a likes by Bebe. These are perfect examples (see below) of how lower-end fashion houses freely create infringing reproductions due to inadequate fashion design protection. Afterwards, IP litigator Jonathan Moskin Esq., went through an in depth analysis of Aesthetic Functionality and the potential significance of its reemergence in the protection of fashion. you can download the pdf here.

Much gratitude goes to the head of Fordham Fashion Law institute’s Susan Scafidi and her students, for holding the event and choosing a great venue, Magic Room top floor of LVMH @NYC. Scafidi titled the night as “Law and the Little Black Dress” inspired by the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s to demonstrate the numerous takes on the classy outfit and how designers over the years have had their dress designs infringed upon. It was great to finally meet fellow fashion bloggers @FashionCloture, @simonebtrfly, and Legal marketing expert Christian McKenzie.

LVMH brands (left) and the knock off's sold by infringers (right)