INDUSTRY ISSUES
Warning: Failure to Label in California Is Known to Cause Litigation Nightmares
By Chelsea Murtha, AAFA Senior Director of Sustainability | December 12, 2024
Labels with a scary warning—that the product you are about to buy is known to the state of California to cause cancer or reproductive harm—are found on everything from cleaning supplies and furniture to bottles of hot sauce and even entire hotel buildings. Soon you will see them on more clothes and shoes—and this is a good thing.
Citizens of Humanity Allegedly a Victim of Embezzlement
Four men have been arrested on charges they embezzled $8 million from a commercial laundry house owned by Citizens of Humanity, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
What Every Apparel Company Should Know if It Is Paying Its Employees Commissions or Piece-Rate Pay
Apparel companies, beware, as there are a number of common errors employers make when paying employees commissions or piece rates. Unfortunately, recent decisions in California have complicated this area, and misapplication of the law can be costly. Being apprised of the common pitfalls can help minimize risk to your business.
Who Owns the Fashion Week Name
The new organizers of Los Angeles Fashion Week events are creating a bit of confusion among the fashion crowd. Because Arthur Chipman has trademarked the name LA Fashion Week, fashion show organizers are wondering if they can no longer use LA Fashion Week in their title and whether that extends to the term Los Angeles Fashion Week.
RevoLaze Drops Lawsuit Against Hennes & Mauritz
After filing and winning several lawsuits over a laser technology used to distress blue jeans, RevoLaze recently dropped its legal action against fast-fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz.
PacSun Sued For Alleged Wage Theft
Prominent mall retailer Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. was sued in Los Angeles Superior Court by a former employee for on-call scheduling, which the plaintiff contends resulted in lost wages and haywire scheduling.
Combating Employee Misclassification Under the FLSA
Correctly classifying a worker as an employee or an independent contractor is critical. Misclassification of employees as independent contractors has been occurring in an increasing number of workplaces, and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division is responding by bringing enforcement actions against employers who misclassify their workers.
Brand Building With a Legal Foundation at Loyola’s Summer Fashion Law Program
Brand narrative—and the legal knowledge necessary to further a company’s vision—was at the heart of Loyola Law School’s second annual Fashion Law Summer Intensive program.
Dov Charney Files Two Lawsuits Accusing American Apparel and Hedge Fund for Defamation
In more legal shots fired in the ongoing battle over control of American Apparel, the dismissed clothing company’s founder has filed two lawsuits in less than one week accusing American Apparel and hedge fund investor Standard General of defaming his character in false accusations and letters.
Investigators Raise Tally to $140 Million in Fashion District Cartel Money-Laundering Scheme
After 1,000 federal and state agents fanned out across the Los Angeles Fashion District last fall to crack down on a long-running money-laundering scheme benefiting two drug cartels in Mexico.
Lawsuit By Former Finance Director Cites American Apparel for Financial Misdeeds and Discrimination
David Nisenbaum, the fired director of manufacturing accounting analysis and audit at American Apparel, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court on April 20 against his former employer. He maintains he was wrongfully fired because questioned the financial actions of John Luttrell, the chief financial officer of the company at the time Dov Charney was still the president and chief executive.
Industry Voices: All Star Offensive: Converse Turns to the ITC to Protect Its Chucks Brand
Late last year, Nike’s Converse Inc. went on the offensive against 31 companies claiming that the companies are infringing upon a configuration of elements Converse claims are protected by trademark law
Georges Marciano Files Lawsuit Against Guess Over Name
Georges Marciano, who founded Guess 35 years ago, filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles clothing company run by his brothers to be able to use his name for new clothing labels he wants to develop.
American Apparel Resolves Lawsuits Against Ousted CEO Dov Charney
Months after firing Dov Charney, two lawsuits against the founder and former chief executive of American Apparel have been settled.
Unicolors Wins Another Copyright Infringement Case Over Fabric Design
Nearly one year after filing a lawsuit over a colorful fabric design, Unicolors Inc. has been awarded $164,400 in a case over copyright infringement.
2014 Newsmakers: Staci Riordan and The Fashion Law Project
Attorney Staci Riordan is known for having a lot of energy and creative ideas swirling around in her head.
