Fashion Law Network

In this special Halloween episode of Fashion Law Network, we uncover the darker side of the beauty industry. From Sephora’s clean beauty controversies and greenwashing lawsuits to counterfeit cosmetics, Halloween makeup, and FDA regulations, we explore the legal issues lurking beneath the surface of the multibillion-dollar beauty industry. Because sometimes, beauty can be pretty scary!

In this episode I take a closer look at Loro Piana, the Italian fashion house synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship, rare materials, and quiet luxury. I begin with a brief history of the brand and its rise to become one of the world’s most prestigious luxury houses before diving into the intellectual property behind the Loro Piana name.

Then I discuss their trademark portfolio and its use of patents to protect innovation and design, exploring how intellectual property has helped Loro Piana protect what makes the brand distinctive. At the end of the episode I discuss a re...

Would you pay almost $30 for a smoothie? Welcome to the high-stakes, hyper-aesthetic world of luxury grocery shopping. In this episode, I am diving deep into the phenomenon of high-end supermarkets, with a front-row look at the ultimate status symbol of grocery stores: Erewhon.

I break down how a health food store became Hollywood’s hottest runway, the fascinating psychology behind luxury consumer culture, and whether these organic, ultra-premium products are actually worth the price tag. From viral celebrity smoothies to the rise of "grocery store tourism," I explore how buying a carton of raw milk became a li...

This episode is all about Hermes and the recent updates regarding the 2024 antitrust class action lawsuit filed in California alleging that Hermes is engaging in anticompetitive activities relating to the sale of the Hermes Birkin handbags. I provide my legal analysis and discussion on the lawsuit and all the updates (including an appeal by Hermes) which includes Hermes' alleged practice of requiring customers to spend thousands of dollars on ancillary products before obtaining an "opportunity" to purchase a Birkin bag.

Episode Notes:

1. Cavalleri v. Hermes, N.D. Cal., No. 3:24-cv-01707

This episode is all about the implications of the Iran War on the fashion industry, the sweeping US tarrifs and the recent change to the "de minimis $800" loophole. During the second half of the episode I discuss and analyze the recent UK based trademarking infringement lawsuit Estee Lauder v. Jo Malone which is all about the implications of a personal name as a trademark. Enjoy and thank you for listenting!

This episode is all about the luxury Saks Fifth Avenue department store and the recent chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. I break down how Saks Global went from Manhattan icon to bankruptcy court in record time, drowning in junk bonds, unpaid vendor bills, and a 'death spiral' of empty shelves and what a stripped-down, restructured future looks like for high-end retail. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

This episode is all about the cut-throat world of feuding luxury furniture design houses with a focus on Restoration Hardware (RH). I begin the episode with some background history of Restoration Hardware, namely, how it transformed from a humble hardware store to a billion dollar empire. Then I discuss and analyze three recent lawsuits involing trade dress and copyright infringement that RH has been embroiled in. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

Episode Notes:

1. Restoration Hardware v. Crate and Barrell (2017)

2. Chrisopher Boots v. Restoration Hardware et al. (2019)

3. Arhaus v. Restoration Hardware (2025)<...

This episode is all about the Gucci fashion house and the downturn the brand has been experiencing. I begin the episode with recent news at Gucci and then provide a  brief history of the Gucci fashion house. Next, I provide a discussion and legal analysis of the Gucci v. Guess nine year long legal battle and then and I conclude the episode with an update on the recent Gucci v. Lord and Taylor lawsuit.

Episode Notes:

1. Gucci America, Inc. v. Guess?, Inc., 843 F. Supp. 2d 412 (S.D.N.Y. 2012)

2. Gucci A...

This episide is all about Neiman Marcus, and the significant changes as the store operates under its new owner, Saks Global, following a $2.7 billion acquisition and much more.

In the second half of the episode I provide my legal analysis and discussion about a recent lawsuit involving Net-a-Porter founder, Natalie Massenet, which is shocking the fashion world.

Episode Notes:

1. Massenet v. Torstensson, et al., 25STCV24516 (Cal. Sup.)

2.. Minding the Store by Stanley Marcus Book

⁠https://www.amazon.com/Minding-Store-Stanley-Marcus/dp/157441139X⁠

3. Jackie Macia,The Saks Neiman Marcus Merg...

This episode features a very special guest, Erik Brunetti, founder of one of the most influential streetwear brands - Fuct. When Erik's trademark application for 'Fuct' was denied numerous times by the USPTO due allegedly being “scandalous and immoral,” he became impassioned and ended up taking his case all the way to the Supreme Court (alongside his attorney, John Sommers) winning the ultimate battle. Listen to his story here.

Episode time stamps:

(00:28) I provide a brief background and legal timeline of the Iancu v. Brunetti case, including audio clips from the oral argument of the Supr...

On this episode I discuss the recently imposed tariffs on goods from abroad, including a detailed tariff timeline, the impact the tariffs may have on the luxury fashion sector, namely, how these  tariffs are likely to increase the demand for secondhand luxury goods.

At the end of the episode I provide a legal discussion and analysis on the recent update to the landmark secondhand luxury goods case Chanel v. What Goes Around Comes Around. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

Episode Notes:

"Ski fashion" is one the season's hottest trends, even for brands that previously had no ties to winter sports. I discuss the top luxury ski fashion brands, with a focus on Moncler, and then provide a discussion and my legal analysis on a recent lawsuit Moncler filed against 175 online-store defendants for trademark infringement (Moncler S.p.A. v. abc2688793 et al. 1:23-cv-05378). Enjoy and thank you for listening!

This episode is all about influencers, social media aesthetics and the "first of it's kind" lawsuit centering on the scope of protection attached to a personalized social media aesthetic. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

Episode Notes:

Gifford v. Sheil, 1:24-cv-00423 (W.D. Tex.)

This episode is all about the Chloe fashion house and it's recent comeback with the signature boho-chic style. I begin with a background of the Chloe fashion house and the Richemont luxury conglomerate which owns Chloe. Then I discuss some recent trademarks and patents owned by Chloe and I end the episode with a discussion of the French lawsuit Richemont v. Louis Vuitton which centers on the Alhambra (Richemont- owned Van Cleef & Arpels) jewelry design. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

This episode is all about the fast fashion industry which is on fire, both literally and figuratively, due to its popularity and the associated negative environmental impacts. I begin the episode with a synopsis of the fast fashion landscape, focusing on Zara and then discuss a slew of new legislation aimed at fast fashion. I conclude the episode with an overview of lawsuits involving Zara. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

This episode is all about the viral “underconsumption core” trend and how it relates to luxury fashion. I also discuss the most-wanted quiet luxury item, the Hermes Shadow Birkin and then provide an update and my legal analysis/discussion of the Hermes antitrust class action lawsuit filed in California In 2024. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

This episode is all about the recent changes at the Chanel fashion house, namely, the parting ways of artistic director, Virginie Viard with the Chanel fashion house. I discuss employment law, private vs. public company rules/regulations in both the United States and France as they relate to the Chanel fashion house and then provide a history of Chanel at the end of the episode. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

This is a special episode featuring Olga Florida, the founder of Swiss-based fashion line, Cosy Sunday. The Cosy Sunday fashion line debuted at Milan Fashion Week in February of 2024 and is focused on sustainability. On this episode we discuss Olga's inspiration for the fashion line, the challenges she faced along the way and the importance of me time in our fast paced world. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

Episode Notes:

1. https://cosysunday.com

This is a special episode featuring author, Alexandra Lange, who wrote one of my favorite books, Meet Me by the Fountain all about the inside history of shopping malls. We discuss our favorite mall architecture, current state of malls, future trends and much more! Enjoy and thank you for listening!

This episode is all about Hermes and the recent antitrust class action lawsuit filed in California alleging that Hermes is engaging in anticompetitive activities relating to the sale of the Hermes Birkin handbags. I provide my legal analysis and discussion on the lawsuit which includes Hermes' alleged practice of requiring customers to spend thousand on ancillary products before obtaining an opportunity to purchase a Birkin bag.

Episode Notes:

1. Cavalleri v. Hermes, N.D. Cal., No. 3:24-cv-01707, 3/19/24.

This episode is a deep dive into the recent legal battle that Chanel won against luxury reseller, What Goes Around Comes Around. I provide a timeline of the legal battle, my legal analysis of the recent jury trial and verdict (Chanel v. What Goes Around Comes Around) and a discussion on the future of the luxury reselling landscape. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

The Fashion Law Network podcast and statements made are for entertainment purposes only and are not legal advice. If you would like legal advice or a legal consultation you may contact me directly...

This episode is all about the Burberry fashion house. I begin with a brief history of the brand and then discuss patent and trademark law in relation to Burberry. I end the episode with my legal analysis and discussion of a trademark opposition involving Burberry Limited and Mattel's "Barbie" trademarks. Enjoy and thank you for listening. 

The Fashion Law Network podcast and statements made are for entertainment purposes only and are not legal advice. If you would like legal advice or a legal consultation you may contact me directly at [email protected]. 

Not Farfetch anymore! This episode is a follow up to my "Who's The Fairest of Them All" Pt. 1 episode when Farfetch was all the rage. How things have changed in a span of barely 2 years... listen to find out what happened to this former #1 ecommerce luxury online platform! I begin with a background of the Farfetch company, the recent events at the company and then I provide a legal discussion of a class action securities fraud lawsuit involving Farfetch. Enjoy and thank you for listenting.

This episode is all about the recent news of various luxury fashion houses reporting a major sales slump- is the "luxury party" over?

I begin this episode with various fashion houses sales news with a focus on the largest luxury conglomerate, LVMH. Then I provide an in-depth legal discussion and analysis on three lawsuits that Gucci filed last week against Century 21, Lord&Taylor and Sam's Club. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

Episode Notes:

1.Forbes Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2023/07/29/luxury-leaders-sales-drop-in-us-as--aspirational-consumers-put-new-purchases-on-hold/?sh=a7fbc8e415c3

1. ⁠Gu...

This is a special episode of the podcast series with a featured fashion guest, James Keith. James it the owner of the luxury accessories line, Keith James. His line rose to fame from his signature "red bottom" hats/fedoras for men and women and has now expanded into various other accessories. On this episode we discuss the concept of quiet luxury, trade dress trademark protection, James' fashion line, new book and much more. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

Episode Notes:

1. www.keithjames.com

2. Rich Mindset Book link: https://www...

I am back with the first episode of Season 6! I begin this episode with some background history of the Chanel fashion house  then discuss general patent law and analyze a few interesting recent patent and trademarks which are owned by Chanel. In the second half of the  episode I discuss and analyze the many lawsuit filings Chanel has been busy with over the summer and at the end of episode I provides a few updates in the ongoing Chanel v. The RealReal lawsuit. Enjoy and thank you for listening! Episode Notes:  1. Chanel, Inc. v. The RealReal 1:18-cv-10626 (S.D.N.Y.) 2...

This episode is all about the Balenciaga fashion house. I begin with a brief history of the fashion house, followed by a discussion of patent and trademark law in relation to Balenciaga and finally, I provide my legal analysis of two recent, interesting intellectual property-based lawsuits that the fashion house has been involved with. The first lawsuit I analyze is City Merchandise Inc., v. Balenciaga where a New York City souvenir company sued Balenciaga for copyright infringement for the design on their tote bags and the second lawsuit I discuss is CarFreshner Corp., v. Balenciaga where a car freshener company...

This episode is all about the world of beauty pageants with a legal spin. This episode features a very special guest, Caitlin Machol, a former Miss USA contestant and Miss Wisconsin titleholder. I begin the episode by providing some background information on the famous, Miss USA, Miss Universe and Miss America pageants, then I discuss and analyze a few lawsuits the organizations have been involved with. Finally, Caitlin provides lots of inside beauty pageant information such as the various fashion rules the contestants must adhere to, her story in competing in the Miss USA pageant, meeting Donald Trump and...

This episode is all about the luxury multi-designer retail store, Intermix and their recent store closings. I begin the episode with a brief history of the Intermix company which begins in 1993, then I discuss the change in owners of the Intermix company including the acquisition by a private equity firm and a discussion of private equity firms and takeover implications. At the end of the episode, I provide my legal analysis and discussion of a recent lawsuit filed against the Intermix company. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

Episode Notes:

1. Bal Harbour...

This episode is all about trademark parodies in the context of fashion law. I begin this episode with a brief background of trademark law and the parody defense, next I discuss a few intellectual property parody lawsuits involving Louis Vuitton (Louis Vuitton v. Haute Diggity Dog , Louis Vuitton v. My Other Bag , Louis Vuitton v. MGA Entertainment ). I conclude the episode by providing my legal analysis of the recent trademark parody lawsuit which made it all the way to the Supreme Court involving Jack Daniel's and a dog toy company. Enjoy and thank you for listening! Episode Notes: 1. Louis Vuitton Malle...

The RealReal lit the fuse in the secondhand luxury market sector but is the fire dying down now? On this episode I discuss the current state of the secondhand luxury market including a brief background of  unique The RealReal business model and provide my legal analysis and discussion of an interesting securities lawsuit that The RealReal was recently embroiled with. Thank you listening, enjoy! 

Episode Notes: 

1. Sanders v. RealReal Inc., 5:19-cv-07737 (N.D. Cal.)

This episode is all about the recent mergers and acquisitions in the luxury fashion space, namely, the Farfetch company and their acquisition of the Yoox-Net-a-Porter Group (YNAP). On this episode, I discuss the history and brief biography of the owner and founder of the Farfetch company and their business model along with other notable, recent luxury fashion house acquisitions. Finally, I discuss and analyze a recent trademark infringement lawsuit which Farfetch was embroiled in.  Don't forget to sign up for the Fashion Law Network meet n' greet event on March 23, 2023! Enjoy and thank you for listening! Episode Notes: 1.  EventBrite: https://www...

This is a special episode featuring Mr. Andrei Iancu, the former director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). We begin our discussion with a background and interesting details about the USPTO, the launch of the Council For Innovation Promotion and the value of patents. Then we discuss the recent controversial anti-patent remarks made by Elon Musk and the landmark Supreme Court case bearing my guest's name, Iancu v. Brunetti, which was decided during Mr. Iancu's time at the USPTO. Enjoy and thank you for listening! 

Episode Notes: 

1. Council for Innovation Promotion: www.C4I...

This episode is all about the Dolce & Gabbana fashion house. I begin with a brief history of the brand and then discuss patent and trademark law in relation to Dolce & Gabbana. I end the episode with my legal analysis and discussion of a trademark infringement situation involving Dolce & Gabbana versus a store called Dolce & Banana! Enjoy and thank you for listening. 

The Fashion Law Network podcast and statements made are for entertainment purposes only and are not legal advice. If you would like legal advice or a legal consultation you may contact me directly at [email protected]...

How is luxury department store Neiman Marcus thriving when most department stores are struggling at unprecedented levels? I answer this question and much more on this episode. I also provide my legal analysis, discussion and update on the Neiman Marcus legal battle with (now closed) hedge fund Marble Ridge Capital.

Episode Notes:

1. Marble Ridge Capital LP v. Neiman Marcus Group Inc., et al, DC-18-18371 (116TH Judicial Circuit (Dallas))

2. Neiman Marcus Group Inc., v. Simon Property Group Inc.

This episode is all about the world of luxury fragrances with a focus on the famous Chanel No. 5 perfume. I begin with a brief history of the Chanel No. 5 perfume then discuss various forms of legal protection for fragrances and end the episode with a legal analysis of a recent lawsuit centering on the Chanel No. 5 perfume. 

Episode Notes:  1. Chanel v. Love Story No. 9  2. Civil Judgment No. 319 [2021], Final, Civil, Shaanxi of the High People's Court of Shaanxi Province. The ruling is accessible here, in Chinese, retrieved from China Judgments Online

This episode is all about the luxury fashion house of Christian Louboutin. I begin with some brief history of the Louboutin fashion house, then discuss patents and trademarks in relation to Louboutin. Finally, I discuss and provide a legal analysis of the landmark lawsuit over the red soled stilettos initiated by Christian Louboutin against Yves Saint Laurent. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

The Fashion Law Network podcast and statements made are for entertainment purposes only and are not legal advice. If you would like legal advice or a legal consultation you may contact me directly at k...

This episode is all about the luxury jewelry house of Cartier. I begin with some brief history of the Cartier fashion house, then discuss trademark and trade dress law in relation to Cartier. Finally, I discuss and provide a legal analysis of the new lawsuit initiated by Cartier and Amazon against various influencers attempting to sell allegedly counterfeit Cartier jewelry. Enjoy and thank you for listening! 

The Fashion Law Network podcast and statements made are for entertainment purposes only and are not legal advice. If you would like legal advice or a legal consultation you may contact me...

This episode is all about the Balmain fashion house. I begin with some recent Balmain news and then provide a brief history of the fashion house. Next, I discuss and analyze a few interesting patents and trademarks owned by Balmain. Finally, I provide my legal analysis of two intellectual property lawsuits that Balmain has been embroiled in. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

This episode is all about the post pandemic luxury sales boom many stores are currently experiencing, with a focus on famed American department store, Saks Fifth Avenue. Enjoy and thank you for listening. 

Episode notes:

1. Giordano v. Saks Inc., 1:20-cv-00833, (E.D.N.Y.)

2. Beauty Holdings LLC, d/b/a The Salon Project By Joel Warren v. Saks & Company LLC et al