Guild Advocacy 

Working to raise industry standards, and improve the ability of visual creators to achieve satisfying and rewarding careers.

Knock-off Protection for Fashion Designers

Copyright of Fashion Design

S. 1957, the Design Piracy Prohibition Act [including Protection For Fashion Design], was introduced in the Senate on August 8, 2007.  The bill proposes to protect the copyright of fashion designs for 3 years.  This bill draft also includes a change to vessel hull design copyright terms.

Clothing is currently classified as “useful items” under current copyright law, and therefore does not qualify for copyright. This bill would grant copyright protection for “fashion design” and “apparel” including “men's, women's, or children's clothing, including undergarments, outerwear, gloves, footwear, and headgear; handbags, purses, and tote bags; belts and eyeglass frames.”

The Bill is sponsored by Senators Schumer, Feinstein, Hatch, Whitehouse, Graham, Kohl, Clinton, and Snowe.

Read the full text of the bill at www.thomas.gov, search for S. 1957