LAW 7215 :
Fashion Law

Prerequisite: Intellectual Property (LAW 7048) Fashion law is the business law specialty that deals with the everyday problems and legal issues of fashion companies, including their retail operations. The fashion and apparel industry is a trillion dollar global industry and fashion is a driving force in the world economy. This course addresses the principal legal issues and commercial challenges facing the fashion and retail industry in both the United States and globally, and how these issues inform the practice of law at fashion companies. Students will enhance their basic understanding of intellectual property (including design and trademark clearance and enforcement), commercial and financial operations, licensing, distribution, employment law, compliance with international standards on human rights, marketing and advertising, retail leasing, international trade, professional responsibility issues, and practice pitfalls. The instructor, a fashion general counsel with decades of experience, will emphasize the practical interplay and tension between commercial realities and legal requirements. The required case book for this course is Fashion Law - A Guide for Designers, Fashion Executives and Attorneys, edited by Guillermo Jimenez and Barbara Kolsun (Fairchild/Bloomsbury 2014, 2nd Edition). Students are also required to purchase a student subscription to Women's Wear Daily (www.wwd.com) and will regularly be reporting to the class on current issues. In addition, students will be assigned cases and will review agreements which will be available on Blackboard. It is important to read all items posted on Blackboard each week. There will be a final examination. The grade will be based 70% on the final exam and 30% on class participation, including on-time attendance (which is required), preparation for class, and completion and mastery of brief writing assignments throughout the semester. Exam Info: Exam administered during e