Counterfeits and Knock-offs
A paper published at the Center for Study and Research in Intellectual Property Rights sheds light on the lack of strong intellectual property rights in India’s fashion industry, which is a big challenge for both new and well-known designers. Without proper legal protection, copying and counterfeiting attempts are common, making it harder for designers to succeed. Big fashion brands can easily take ideas from independent designers without facing any consequences, which is unfair. This not only hurts small designers financially but also discourages creativity because there’s no guarantee that their work will remain theirs. As Indian fashion gains more global recognition, this paper talks about the importance to strengthen IP laws to protect original designs and encourage innovation.