Fashion | Overview

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Acting for clients in every part of the business - major fashion houses, designers, manufacturers, distributors, model agencies, retailers, photographers and models - we are involved from the creation of rights through to their ultimate distribution and exploitation.

Our lawyers have developed a close rapport with people in the fashion industry and we have a good understanding of what our clients should do to protect their rights and exploit opportunities.

Branding and Designs

Branding and protection of designs are key issues in the fashion industry. We can help with all aspects of your branding and marketing, particularly before a show or launch. Registering your brands and sub-brands as trade marks in jurisdictions where you operate or manufacture/distribute your goods makes policing your brand easier. It also adds value to your business.

We recommend that you protect the evolving stages of your designs before showing them, whether to manufacturers or customers, and can advise you on how best to do so. We can also register garments and products as registered designs in the UK, Europe and worldwide using our network of filing agents.

Brand Enforcement and Anti-Counterfeiting

Counterfeit goods, brand dilution and infringement constitute a massive global business. For manufacturing or subcontracting work abroad, you need agreements that protect your brand and secure your rights against others. If your rights are being infringed, our anti-counterfeiting team acts swiftly and decisively using our international network of lawyers, working in conjunction with local customs and law enforcement officials.

Our Intellectual Property (IP) litigation team is experienced in dealing with disputes concerning IP and its unauthorised use by others, ending these by court action, or settlement. Disputes typically settle before trial and our team is expert in achieving the best outcome for you, legally and commercially.

Terms and Conditions

Clearly drafted terms and conditions reflect your business and how it operates - from delivery times to payment details. We recommend you deal on standard terms to manage relationships with suppliers and customers more easily. Our team will draft a set that suits your business and complies with all relevant legislation.

Licensing and Manufacture

As your brand matures, the range of products you offer will grow. Licensing grants you the opportunity to move into new product areas and geographic markets, broadening your brand's appeal at minimal risk by specifying who can use your brand and how.

Manufacturers need to protect rights and be sure of what is expected before starting production. Will you have to pay for any necessary changes and who owns the results? What if garments are being manufactured overseas? Should English law govern your contracts? Documenting your relationship addresses these issues.

Distribution

Maintaining a good relationship with your distributors worldwide is an integral part of your business. To facilitate this, a well-drafted distribution agreement is essential to clarify each party's rights and avoid disputes.

Agency and Franchise

We are experienced in drafting and advising on the terms of agency and franchise agreements, one of the most crucial relationships for fashion businesses, to ensure they reflect your wishes and expectations.

If you are interested in receiving regular updates on legal developments in the fashion industry, please sign up for our Fashion eBulletin.

"For me as a designer, Harbottle & Lewis's work protecting my brand and my designs and structuring deals on my behalf has been hugely valuable. They know their stuff!" Terry de Havilland, Designer

For further information please contact Sandi Simons.