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Birkenstock’s sandal designs failed to qualify for copyright
A design may be instantly recognisable, commercially successful, and deeply associated with a brand, but that does not mean it qualifies for copyright protection. The German Federal Court of Justice has ruled that Birkenstock’s Madrid and Arizona sandal designs do not qualify for copyright protection. The decision confirms that these widely recognised footwear models lack…
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Logo Dispute: Christian Dior and Twinset S.p.A. Go Head-to-Head Over Trademark Rights
A recent trademark dispute has highlighted the complexities of branding in the fashion industry, focusing on the competition between two notable brands: Twinset S.p.A. and Christian Dior Couture. The case originated in April 2022 when Twinset sought to register a new figurative trademark covering a variety of products, in the European Union. The Opposition Shortly…
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Delhi High Court Grants House of Masaba an Injunction Against “Masaba Couture” Copycats
The Delhi High Court has granted House of Masaba Lifestyle. an interim injunction against Masabacoutureofficial.co & others for unauthorised use of the MASABA trademark. The order not only restrains the defendants from using the brand name but also directs Instagram to remove infringing pages and disclose the defendants’ details. House of Masaba and Its Trademark…
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The New York Fashion Workers Act 2025: A Stitch in Time for Labor Rights
For years, New York’s fashion industry has been a double-edged sword: glamorous on the surface but frayed at the seams when it comes to worker treatment. The industry has faced criticism for low wages, grueling hours, and workplace conditions that could make anyone feel like they were caught in a fashion faux pas. The COVID-19…
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BurberryBeauty.com Case: A Timeless Lesson in Brand Protection
Burberry, renowned for its iconic trench coats and signature check pattern, successfully reclaimed the domain burberrybeauty.com through a UDRP proceeding. This outcome at the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre shows Burberry’s commitment to safeguarding its trademark and maintaining its brand identity in the digital space. This case shows Burberry’s strategy of protecting its trademark rights…
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Charlotte Tilbury vs Aldi: Copyright Dispute Over Beauty Palette
Charlotte Tilbury, known for its luxury makeup and skincare, has secured a decisive legal victory against Aldi. The brand, celebrated for its premium products and glamorous aesthetic, took Aldi to court over claims of copyright infringement. The dispute centred on Aldi’s imitation of Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic Filmstar Bronze and Glow palette. The court ruled that…
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Jacquemus Defends Its Identity: Stopping Domain Misuse
Jacquemus built its name in fashion, not for others to misuse. When unauthorised domains surfaced, attempting to exploit its brand name, Jacquemus took the fight to WIPO. The cases exposed clear bad faith registrations, with respondents either misleading consumers or sitting on domains for profit. The rulings in favour of Jacquemus made one thing clear:…
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Dunhill Prevails in Trademark Dispute Against Danhuoli in China
Dunhill has secured a decisive ruling in China against Danhuoli, a company found guilty of trademark infringement and unfair competition. The Foshan Intermediate People’s Court ordered Danhuoli to pay RMB 10 million (approximately $1.47 million USD) in damages. The ruling is a strong signal that China’s intellectual property enforcement is tightening, particularly for foreign luxury…
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Ferragamo vs. Counterfeits: How Ferragamo Fights Back Against Fraud
In the world of luxury fashion, counterfeit goods are not just a nuisance; they pose a significant threat to brand integrity and consumer trust. For Salvatore Ferragamo, a brand synonymous with Italian craftsmanship and luxury, combating counterfeiters is an ongoing challenge. As counterfeit products flood the market, Ferragamo’s legal strategy reflects its firm stance on…
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Jaguar Land Rover vs. Jiangling: A Case for Protecting Automotive Design
Jaguar Land Rover has won a pivotal case against Jiangling Motors Corp., over the Landwind X7 SUV, which was found to have copied key elements of the Range Rover Evoque’s signature design. The court’s decision is more than a win for Land Rover; it highlights that originality in design is not something brands can afford…
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Fur Real? Burberry sues value chain B&M for trademark infringement
Burberry has officially launched legal action against B&M, alleging trademark infringement and claiming that B&M has misrepresented its products as associated with the renowned luxury brand. The lawsuit was filed in London’s High Court on December 2, 2024. The conflict centers on B&M’s sale of a range of pet accessories labeled “Furberry.” Burberry contends that…
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Christian Dior Sues Café Dior for $2 Million Over Trademark Infringement
On April 9, 2024, Christian Dior Couture filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts against Café Dior, a café operating in Springfield, Massachusetts. The luxury fashion brand alleged that the café had wilfully infringed upon its trademarks by using a name strikingly similar to its own and ignoring numerous…
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The Ritz-Carlton Fined $535,000 for Hazardous Waste Violations in California
Environmental regulations have long been non-negotiable, and luxury hotel brands are no exception. In 2022, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, renowned for its high-end accommodations, faced a $535,000 civil penalty for mishandling hazardous waste across its eight California properties, including its Rancho Mirage location in Riverside County. Court Judgment Highlights Mismanagement A judgment issued by the…
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Ferrari vs. Philipp Plein: The Price of Trademark Missteps
Ferrari has made its position unmistakable: its trademarks are not open to reinterpretation. A dispute involving Philipp Plein’s unauthorised use of Ferrari’s trademarks has led to significant penalties, drawing attention from the fashion and automotive industries. Rulings by Italian courts highlight the serious consequences of misusing trademarks, particularly those tied to luxury brands. The Instagram…