Fashion Design Copyright

Knock-off Protection for Fashion Designers

S. 1957, the Design Piracy Prohibition Act (including Protection For Fashion Design), was introduced in the Senate on August 8, 2007. The bill proposes to protect the copyright of fashion designs for three years. This bill draft also includes a change to vessel hull design copyright terms.

Clothing is currently classified as “useful items” under current copyright law, and therefore does not qualify for copyright. This bill would grant copyright protection for “fashion design” and “apparel” including “men's, women's, or children's clothing, including undergarments, outerwear, gloves, footwear, and headgear; handbags, purses, and tote bags; belts and eyeglass frames.”

The Bill is sponsored by Senators Schumer, Feinstein, Hatch, Whitehouse, Graham, Kohl, Clinton, and Snowe.