©-LAW

Diesel (L) and Zara (R) The relevance of the fashion industry to world economies has grown over time. Today it equals  2% of world's Gross Domestic Product .  A phenomenon that has really boomed over the past few years is that of 'fast fashion', which is characterized - also raising  a number of concerns , including  sustainability (or lack thereof)  - by very rapid production cycles, low cost and prices, and items 'inspired' - see, eg,  Saint Laurent/Zara ,  Gucci/Forever 21 ,  Acne/Zara  - by looks seen on catwalks or those worn by celebrities. According to statistics, fast fashion items are worn  less than 5 times . Hence, also the 'wearing' cycle is short-lived. But when does inspiration translate to an actual IP infringement? And is it worth it - or even altogether  possible   from a legal standpoint - for, say, a fashion house to take action in an attempt to repress the production and sale ...