Listen up Fashioncast fans, court is in session! Whether you’re steeped in the fashion industry’s legal jargon or not, this week’s guest, Andrea Arndt, Patent Attorney at Dickinson Wright, informs and demonstrates why anybody in the fashion industry with something to protect should get their legal house in order.

Arndt, with degrees in biomedical engineering, computer engineering, and law is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and specializes in foreign patent prosecution and intellectual property law in the fashion industry. She brings all her background and experience to listeners as she explains the difference between patents, trademarks, and copyright and details the risks of not protecting your intellectual property (IP).

Arndt knows her field and proves it as she and the Fashioncast hosts dig deep into recent case law including Versace v Fashion Nova and the industry changing Supreme Court copyright ruling on Star Athletica v Varsity Brands. In addition, Arndt dissects the multi-million dollar Burberry v Target knock-off scarf case that was ultimately settled out-of-court (see case links below).

The ever witty and energetic Arndt also has plenty of free legal advice for would be designers and fashion entrepreneurs including expected legal fees to protect IP, adding legal costs to startup budgets, and never allowing IP infringement to go unchallenged.

Finally, Arndt also touches on international IP law including protection(s) to online retailers, where designers should focus their resources to maximize IP safeguards, and the lack of international fashion industry leadership on mitigation and binding arbitration.

It’s a fast-paced show with a legal fashion industry expert that will leave Fashioncast listeners more educated, informed, and equipped to protect their fashion creations.

For now, court adjourned. Enjoy!

https://www.dickinson-wright.com/our-people/andrea-I-arndt?tab=0

https://www.thefashionlaw.com/home/fashion-nova-responds-to-versace-lawsuit-with-32-defenses-2-countercliams-and-a-vow-to-fight

https://www.nolo.com/legal-updates/supreme-court-rules-that-garment-design-elements-are-copyrightable.html

https://www.khuranaandkhurana.com/2018/05/22/fashion-and-trademarks-the-clothing-controversy/