American Bar releases fashion law book

It has chapters on trademark, copyright, design patent, Internet law, business entity formation, financing, employment law, standards in manufacturing contract, standards in licensing agreements, and much of the pertinent law surrounding a Runway event.

Dave Faux edited the entire book while maintaining his legal practice in copyright, trademark, and licensing law. His law firm works within a variety of arts and entertainment fields including fashion and theater. The ABA is particularly pleased that illustrations for the book came from a student of Parsons The New School for Design.

“Our goal,” says Faux, “was to contribute to the fashion industry a guidebook useful enough for every designer.” Early reviews indicate success:

Nanette Lepore said, “What a great book for everyone in our industry, especially young designers who are just starting out. These pages contain an enormous amount of valuable information, which is presented in very concise and easy to understand language. For those of us who are in the fashion design business, [the ABA’s Legal Guide to Fashion Design] deserves a permanent spot on your desktop.”

Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, said, “[The ABA’s Legal Guide to Fashion Design] provides a detailed and practical understanding of the legal issues that apply to running a successful fashion compan y. This book is a must read for designers and executives of both big and small brands. It offers real expertise needed to compete in the global market.”

Simon Collins, Dean of the School of Fashion, Parsons The New School for Design, said, “'The ABA’s Legal Guide to Fashion Design’ is marvelous. It’s an essential resource for anyone looking to be or already in the fashion industry.”

Danielle Vitale, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive Vice President of Barneys New York, said, “A must read resource that joins the creative process with the ever complicated business/financial one. [The ABA’s Legal Guide to Fashion Design] gives designers a rare opportunity to stay ahead of the curve while building their business. It should make its way into many industry hands.”

Susan Scafidi, Founder and Academic Director of the Fashion Law Institute, said, “We didn't create a field of fashion law for lawyers, we created it for designers—and this ABA volume resonates with that spirit of helping designers to reap what they sew. The Fashion Financing chapter alone is an invaluable interdisciplinary resource.”

American Bar Association