Fashion knockoffs have been around as long as there has been a fashion industry . The line between “taking inspiration” from other designers and outright stealing of ideas is much harder to police in fashion than industries such as film and music. However, blatant rip offs of designer handbags , watches, and other accessories is usually easy to identify. No one is going to confuse Prado with Prada.

Smaller design houses and companies are most at risk. They have limited access to media and audience attention making it easier for larger companies to steal their ideas and blanket the fashion world with them, making the smaller firm look like the knockoff artist. This problem extends the the associated textile industry where fabric designs and materials are also considered intellectual property.

The World Intellectual Property Organization ( WIPO ) called for stricter enforcement of intellectual property rights in the fashion world. Their goal was to provide more protection for these smaller companies and promote fair competition. Five years later, it’s difficult to see any substantial change in the fashion industry.