Fashion designers are paying close attention to this year’s legislative session, with all eyes on a bill that proposes to give copyright protection to original fashion designs.
The bill covers “unique and original” designs for three years, allowing exclusivity for the original designer with the idea of preventing “knock-off” designs sold for a more affordable price to a wider audience. But, in fashion, where you’re either in, or you’re out, three years could make a huge difference for retailers in the mass market.
Not everyone believes the bill is a good thing, especially when it comes to enforcement. Experts predict that the law could get a little tricky if the courts were left to decide if a fashion design was copied or not – judging fashion is not exactly one of the traditional duties of the courts, and comparing and contrasting two items of clothing would be a very subjective task.
It will be interesting to see how the bill does in Congress and if it picks up steam, how lawmakers propose enforcement of the potential new law.
What do you think of this proposed bill? Would your organization suffer if it were to go into effect?
Source: American Public Media, February 2011
