Louis Vuitton and Paula Hian: When a Mood Board Becomes Evidence in Court.
Where does inspiration end and plagiarism begin in fashion? The dispute between Louis Vuitton and designer Paula Hian shows how sketches, mood boards, and design documents can become crucial evidence in proving the independence of a creative process. This case explores the boundaries of “ copyright ” in fashion and the importance of documenting the creation of a collection.
LEGO and Queer Eye: When a License Isn't Enough.
A custom jacket, a LEGO minifigure, and a controversy over * copyright*. The *Queer Eye* case shows that obtaining a license for a television show does not necessarily mean you can exploit all the creative works that appear in it. This story highlights the limitations of implied licenses and the importance of verifying the rights chain before developing derivative products and merchandising initiatives.
Louis Vuitton, Molly Tea, and the four-petaled flower.
Louis Vuitton won its case against Molly Tea in the first instance over the use of a four-petaled flower. However, the 10.3 million yuan ruling has sparked a debate in China about traditional motifs and trademark protection. This case illustrates why, before taking legal action, it is also necessary to assess the impact on one’s reputation.
Biopics, true crime, and the myth of “life rights.”
Biopics, true crime stories, and documentaries raise a question that is only seemingly simple: Is the consent of the subject required? Under Italian law, there is no actual right of ownership over one’s own biography. Protection, instead, is provided through rights related to one’s image, reputation, privacy, personal identity, and the proper handling of sources. This Insight analyzes the role of “life rights” and the main legal risks for producers, authors, and platforms.
The Gomorra Case: Partial Plagiarism, Citation of Sources, and Damages under Copyright Law
The Gomorra case provides an important opportunity to distinguish between plagiarism of a work as a whole and the unauthorized use of individual pre-existing elements. This Insight outlines the legal proceedings, the role of citing sources, and the criteria used to quantify damages, highlighting the practical implications for authors, publishers, and producers.
The value of an audiovisual project is established before funding is secured.
The legal soundness of an audiovisual project is established as early as the development phase. This Insight analyzes the role of the chain of title, option and development agreements, rights management, and due diligence in making a project more bankable, negotiable, and attractive to broadcasters, streaming platforms, investors, and co-producers.
From the Stratocaster to design icons: when a product's form becomes a monopoly.
When can a product’s shape become an exclusive right? Starting with the Stratocaster case and other well-known design icons, this Insight analyzes the boundaries between shape trademarks, design, and copyright, highlighting the opportunities and limitations in protecting the shapes that identify a product on the market.
