Design Piracy Law: Industry Voices

In August, lawmakers introduced a new version of the design piracy law—the legislation created to extend copyright protection to fashion designs—and the industry is stepping up to defend or oppose it.

The Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act (Senate Bill 3728) is shaping up to be as divisive as the previous Design Piracy bill. The California Fashion Association maintains its opposition to the current version. The American Apparel and Footwear Association was opposed to the previous bill but after working with lawmakers has come out in support of the IDPPPA.

This week, we are publishing both the CFA’s position paper against the bill and an op-ed from the AAFA explaining some of the changes to the current bill.

This is certainly an issue that is poised to impact much of the apparel industry—from the independent designer to the large manufacturer. We are inviting others in the apparel community to join the discussion–either online or in a letter to the editor. The discussion begins here.