Fashion, Inspired or a Knock off?
Something Borrowed?
‘When is something borrowed, inspired or simply a knock off? Copyright in the fashion industry is a heated and controversial topic. Since “clothes” are considered to be utilitarian they generally don’t qualify for copyright protection. (Just to clarify, I did not classify clothes as utilitarian, personally I believe that there is more to them than mere function.) When an industry that combines both art and commerce innovates who owns and defines innovation? It’s a much debated point…just look at the recent legal battle between Louboutin and YSL over the rights of ownership of red soled shoes (wwd.com)‘- Olya Bell.
‘Back in our teens years, ripping off the designs of international brands was a common place practice by many Australian labels. The Australian fashion industry has developed significantly since, back then lead times were long and virtually the only way you could purchase up to the minute fashion was to travel overseas. These days Australian fashion labels export their own innovative ideas, the brands we used to travel for are located on our own shores and international online shopping has meant that the rules of the game have changed forever’ – Hannah Brooks.
