Music has become an essential part of the fashion experience, but every runway soundtrack raises important copyright and licensing issues. From public performance to livestreaming, fashion brands must navigate a complex legal framework to ensure the lawful use of music.

A recent decision of the Court of Venice clarifies two key principles of trademark law: the limits of a licensee’s standing to sue and the criteria for assessing the likelihood of confusion. The ruling confirms that trademark protection depends on a global assessment of distinctiveness, not on superficial similarities alone.