Fashion, interior and design

Industry Players

Which IPR strategy to choose will depend on whether you are an independent designer, a large fashion house or an established furniture manufacturer. You need to consider the particular industry, and the density of existing or similar products on the market when deciding how to protect the rights to your design. It is vital to take steps to ensure a third party does not just come along and take advantage of your investment in the creative process. You do not want to end up bearing all the costs associated with product development and let others reap the financial benefit of it.

Why are intellectual property rights important?

A carefully considered IPR plan should be in place long before the product is put on the market. E-commerce has grown exponentially in recent years, especially within the clothing, footwear and fashion industries, but also in furniture and interior design. Online exposure, and cheap production overseas, mean copying popular products is easier than ever. The consumer also has easier access to comparable or copied products. Country borders are virtually indistinguishable online, which means you can quickly spot your own product for sale in a market where you are not yet established.
Some fashion products have a longer life-span than others. In some cases, there may be particular details or aspects of the product that create the ‘it’ factor and need protecting. Without the right help, it can be difficult to know whether to rely on copyright, trademark law, patent or design rights for your product.

How can we help?

Bryn Aarflot can recommend an IPR strategy that is tailored to the product and industry in question. Your strategy will be custom designed, depending on whether you are an individual designer just starting up or an established player in the market. We help with everything from contracts with cooperation partners or employees, to the securing and monitoring of rights to the product’s appearance or function.