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A Welsh designer has accused Boohoo of copyright infringement, claiming it has sold copies of her “signature” bikini top amongst other designs, a claim the retailer has denied.According to The Times, designer Sonia Edwards told a High Court judge that the online fashion company infringed her copyright in five designs.
As well as battling Boohoo in court, the designer is also accusing the affiliated brands of PrettyLittleThing, Nasty Gal Limited, Misspap, and Debenhams of infringement.
Edwards reportedly asked the judge to order them to stop importing or selling various pieces that she claims are copies of her designs.
The allegations relate to five designs marketed by Boohoo or the linked companies, including a halter-neck bikini top, a rib organza mesh puff-sleeve top, a velvet ruched midi-skirt, a twist-front skirt, and leather-front ruched leggings.
In addition, Edwards has asked for a court declaration that Boohoo infringed the design rights of her business, Cwtchy Cwtchy, and for the retailer to pay compensation over damages.
However, lawyers for the retailers have claimed any alleged similarities are an “abstract cluster of features” and not protected under copyright law, and that her allegations are “imagined and misconceived”.
Andrew Norris KC, who was defending the five fashion companies, said the designer has been making these complaints “for years”.
He said: “As is evident from her witness statement, she has convinced herself the fashion industry has been watching her and copying her extensively. She believes that the defendants are just a few of the large group of businesses and people from around the world who have spent years copying her designs.”
However, Edwards told judge Tom Mitcheson KC that the defendants had “prior knowledge of my designs and access to them prior to publication on their platforms. At times the alleged infringed designs are paired with similar stylization, giving an overall similar look to the outfit.”
The judge reserved his judgement in the case for a later date.
Boohoo has been contacted for comment.
