Intellectual Property Protection in the Fashion Industry

This paper discusses the piracy problems plaguing the fashion industry and analysis whether the fashion industry thrives best in a low or strong IP equilibrium. It particularly considers the argumentation of the American authors Kal Raustiala and Christopher Sprigman, who explain how copying could paradoxically help the industry. I will disprove their model by arguing from a European point of view, which will show that a high level of protection is necessary to promote innovation. With regard to the cheap-chic fashion industry it will be examin ...